nostalgic
Americanadjective
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of nostalgic
Explanation
You feel nostalgic when you miss your childhood, people you know but haven't seen in a while or the things that bring you comfort, like the nostalgic memories you feel when you listen to the songs you loved when you were little. The adjective nostalgic is often used to describe someone who is homesick and wants to be back at home with family. It always involves a wistful memory of times that now seem better or simpler. A nostalgic feeling can involve home and family, but it can also involve a longing for long-gone moments. Even beloved things, such as old TV shows or athletes from a different era may provoke the feeling of nostalgia.
Vocabulary lists containing nostalgic
List 1
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The Lightning Thief
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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.
It made me very nostalgic to know that I’m also from the State of Mexico and we’re here.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
What you’re left with is a colorful and hearty meal born from something so simple and nostalgic.
From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026
I am not nostalgic for poverty or for war—my family’s sacrifices were real costs, not romantic ones.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
The two concerts, held in Chengdu in May, were warmly received by fans, who were treated to nostalgic performances featuring Xie's celebrity friends.
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026
If registering a nostalgic sentiment of affinity was Jefferson’s main intention, Madison suggested that could be done by leaking part of the message to mutual friends.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
