nontraditional
Britishadjective
Explanation
Anything that's different from the usual customs or traditions is nontraditional. Riding a unicycle to school is a nontraditional form of transportation. Tradition is the passing on of beliefs and rules through the generations. People or things that don't follow these traditions, instead inventing new ways of doing things, are nontraditional. Nontraditional schools are different from most — maybe they don't have grades, or have classes open to students of any age. For a long time, jobs like being a doctor or a soldier or a truck driver were considered nontraditional for women, although this has changed somewhat through the years.
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.
For several days, the astronauts will conduct additional tests and experiments while en route.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
The FDA reversed course and agreed to review Moderna’s flu shot application after the vaccine maker agreed to conduct additional testing in the elderly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026
Later on Tuesday, following a call between Trump and Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said Israel would not conduct additional attacks.
From Salon • Jun. 24, 2025
Without soil testing, the Army Corps won’t return to conduct additional soil removal in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2025
The researchers hope that their results inspire others to conduct additional studies of the factors driving the increase in wildfires.
From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
