- plural of classic.
classics
Britishplural noun
-
a body of literature regarded as great or lasting, esp that of ancient Greece or Rome
-
the ancient Greek and Latin languages
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(functioning as singular) ancient Greek and Roman culture considered as a subject for academic study
Explanation
In awe of Zeus, Antigone, and Hercules? Spend your days debating the philosophy of Plato and Cicero? Then you are a lover of the classics — the literary works of Ancient Greece or Rome. Some people choose to major in French, math or biology. Others take classes in the classics, since they are crazy for learning about the roots of western civilization. The classics include Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, poetry, theater, epic tales, and mythology. Much like a movie that is considered classic, because it can be appreciated over time, the classics of Ancient Greece and Rome have been appreciated ever since — well, ever since the days of Ancient Greece and Rome. Notice that the word the often comes before classics.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Medea: A Life,” by Edith Hall, a professor of classics at Durham University in England, combines invention and scholarship in a portrait of this compelling character.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026
As for the movie, I still favor familiar fall classics like “Hocus Pocus” or “Coraline.”
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
In September, the Met opened its season with a new production of Verdi's "Macbeth" and will present other classics in the coming months.
From Barron's ● Oct. 18, 2026
The director, best known for violent film classics Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, has said he is "keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out".
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
His glad-handing, varsity chumminess was totally alien and therefore suspect; then, too, he studied the classics, which are certainly harmless enough but which still provoke the raised eyebrow in some circles.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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