old-world

¹

[ohld-wurld]

adjective

1. of or relating to the ancient world or to a former period of history.

2. of or relating to the Old World.

   old-world customs.

3. characteristic of the Old World; quaint; traditional.

Old World

²

[ohld wurld]

noun

1. Europe, Asia, and Africa, especially when regarded collectively as the inhabited landmasses of the world known to Europe prior to its discovery of the Americas.

2. Eastern Hemisphere.

Old World

¹

noun

1. that part of the world that was known before the discovery of the Americas, comprising Europe, Asia, and Africa; the eastern hemisphere

old-world

²

adjective

1. of or characteristic of former times, esp, in Europe, quaint or traditional

Old World

1. The Eastern Hemisphere, especially Europe, as opposed to the New World — the Americas.

Other Word Forms

• old-worldly adverb
• old-worldliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of old-world¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Origin of old-world²

First recorded in 1590–1600

Related Words

• antiquated 
• archaic 
• charming 
• curious 
• cute 
• fanciful 
• picturesque 
• twee 
• whimsical