neoclassical

American  

[nee-oh-klas-i-kuhl] / ˌni oʊˈklæs ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. Sometimes Neoclassical of, relating to, or designating any of various movements of the late 1600s to the mid 1800s in architecture, the arts, literature, etc. that attempted to revive classical Greek or Roman aesthetics or philosophy.

2. of, relating to, or designating any architecture, art, literature, or music that draws influence from ancient Greek or Roman art and design.

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neoclassical British  

/ ˌniːəʊˈklæsɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or in the style of neoclassicism in art, architecture, etc

2. of, relating to, or in the style of neoclassicism in music

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Etymology

Origin of neoclassical

First recorded in 1875–80; neo- ( def. ) + classical ( def. )

Explanation

Use the adjective neoclassical to describe art or architecture that resurrects the characteristic styles of ancient Greece and Rome. Wear a toga to a party and people might compliment your neoclassical outfit! Many people think of architecture when they see the word neoclassical — specifically, the style of most European buildings constructed over the last 200 years. The 18th-century fashion favoring the symmetry, columns, rectangular windows, and marble facades of the classical era has never really gone out of style. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, this kind of neoclassical revival also occurred in art, fashion, literature, and theater.

Example Sentences

At press briefings he grows increasingly somnolent when asked to address any topic that isn’t the supersized neoclassical ballroom currently under construction atop the rubble of the White House East Wing.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

Prices have increased in places like Miramar, Nuevo Vedado and Vedado -- neighborhoods with neoclassical mansions, embassies and art deco jewels.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

A subtle color change also restored the appearance of the neoclassical “New Room,” which Washington added in the 1770s and ’80s as a grand space for entertaining, displaying art, making a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Karp’s track record included a PhD in neoclassical social theory from Goethe University Frankfurt.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

Its base was a mammoth marble neoclassical museum, complete with Corinthian pillars and carved entablature.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides