traditional knowledge

American  

[truh-dish-uh-nuhl nahl-ij] / trəˈdɪʃ ə nəl ˈnɑl ɪdʒ /

noun

1. skills, knowledge, and practices that are passed down through generations, rather than being taught through official means or formal education, and which are often associated with specific cultural identities.

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Example Sentences

Drawing on traditional knowledge and support from leading experts, the women prepare the biofertiliser using locally available raw materials.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's head of corporate social responsibility, said the initiative aims to support artisans by strengthening skills, preserving traditional knowledge and helping local communities sustain the craft.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“China and the international community should respect traditional knowledge and local communities to make them ideal stewards to protect the Tibetan plateau.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

“Land back means giving the land back to its original people with no strings attached. Let them provide their traditional knowledge to heal the land, the environment.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2025

This mass of rule-of-thumb or traditional knowledge may be said to be the principal asset or possession of every tradesman.

From The Principles of Scientific Management by Taylor, Frederick Winslow