Adjective

classic (comparative more classic, superlative most classic)

1. exemplary of a particular style
2. exhibiting timeless quality

Noun

classic (plural classics)

1. A perfect and/or early example of a particular style.
2. An artistic work of lasting worth
3. A major, long-standing sporting event

The word classic means something that is a perfect example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality. The word can be an adjective (a classic car) or a noun (a classic of American literature). It denotes a particular quality in art, architecture, literature and other cultural artifacts. In commerce, products are named 'classic' to denote a long standing popular version or model, to distinguish it from a newer variety. Classic is used to describe many major, long-standing sporting events. Colloquially, an everyday occurrence (e.g. a joke or mishap) may be described as 'an absolute classic'.

"Classic" should not be confused with classical, which refers specifically to certain cultural styles, especially in music and architecture.

The classics

The classics are the literature of ancient Greece and Rome, known as classical antiquity. Classics (without the definite article) can refer to the study of the humanities: philosophy, literature, history and the arts, as distinct from technical subjects.

Sourced

• "The way to become a classic is by not resembling the classics in any way."
  • Juan Gris, quoted in Classic Essays on Twentieth-Century Music, ISBN 0028645812

• "Something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read."
  • Mark Twain, Definition of a classic of literature. Speech at Nineteenth Century Club, New York, 20 Nov 1900