nonclassical

American  

[non-klas-i-kuhl] / nɒnˈklæs ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. not classical or contrary to classical precepts.

2. Physics. pertaining to a law, theory, or observation that cannot be expressed or understood in terms of Newtonian physics.

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Other Word Forms

• nonclassically adverb

Etymology

Origin of nonclassical

First recorded in 1925–30; non- + classical

Example Sentences

And the engineers who worked on “Chloë and the Next 20th Century,” the latest album from onetime Seattleite and current Sub Pop star Father John Misty, are up for best engineered album, nonclassical.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2023

The music shifted to nonclassical tunes as the group danced to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” as colorful lights swept the room.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2022

And nonclassical sounds find their way in — little reminders of a world outside the concert hall and traces of the humanity often left behind in the commandeering conductor’s wake.

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2022

Mr. Previn also won 10 competitive Grammys from 1958 to 2004, divided evenly between classical and nonclassical categories, and a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2010.

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2019

Each singer had to perform a classical piece and a nonclassical piece.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 4, 2019