nostalgic

[ no-stal-jiknuh‑ ]

adjective

1. experiencing or exhibiting nostalgia, a sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time, or situation.

Other Words From

• nos·talgi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nostalgic¹

nostalg(ia) + -ic

Example Sentences

I garnered a great deal of material, had a most nostalgic time in parts of the west most familiar to me and saw much I had never seen before.

From Eater

They’re often made of wood, metal, or glass, or feature interesting themes and tie-ins, nostalgic designs, or fun and useful gimmicks that set them apart from the run-of-the-mill cardboard versions most people have in their closets.

From Popular-Science

The Tongass offers both the fulfillment of a trip of a lifetime and a nostalgic experience of what America once was.

From Popular-Science

The nostalgic scientific independence Gottlieb and McClellan cherished is at risk and must be fortified.

From Fortune

Maybe times like these, when the world feels like it’s falling apart and there’s no end in sight to a literal pandemic, are when we should be leaning in to the idea of nostalgic comfort foods.

From Eater

Now, visitors are scarce and the jungle is taking over, leaving some locals nostalgic.

From The Daily Beast

Taking a bite out of it made me feel like I was at a family bris… in a good, nostalgic way.

From The Daily Beast

Are you nostalgic for the days of the Soviet Union, and the way things were?

From The Daily Beast

For some of us, however, these nostalgic feelings will be more carnally driven.

From The Daily Beast

After all, Beltway elites—and many voters—are under the impression that the Republican Party is still nostalgic for the Cold War.

From The Daily Beast

One thing only he saw which struck a note of the nostalgic and brought a catch to his throat.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Earth shone forth, a half-globe of seas and clouds and continents, vast and nostalgic in the sky.

From Project Gutenberg

All this weirdness had a violent effect on Ned Vince—a sudden, nostalgic panic.

From Project Gutenberg

From Java's seething millions were the nostalgic three ever missed?

From Project Gutenberg

The stereo was playing something soft and nostalgic as Kennon sank into the chair Alexander had vacated.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• regretful
• sentimental
• wistful