traditional

comparative more traditional · superlative most traditional

1. Of, relating to, or derived from tradition.First known use 16th c.

   This dance is one of the traditional customs in the area.

   1 more example

   For centuries, the nomadic tribes of Central Asia used colorful textiles called suzanis as seating, prayer mats, bedding and dividers in their yurts – the traditional tents that were their homes.

   2024 December 19, Amy Gunia, “Young Uzbeks are finding new markets for traditional handicrafts online”, in CNN Business

   Synonyms: traditionary, time-honored//time-honoured · Antonyms: nontraditional, untraditional

   1. Communicated from ancestors to descendants orally.

      traditional expositions of the Scriptures

      Synonyms: traditionary, time-honored//time-honoured · Antonyms: nontraditional, untraditional

   2. entertainmentIn lieu of the name of the composer of a piece of music, whose real name is lost in the mists of time.

      Synonyms: traditionary, time-honored//time-honoured · Antonyms: nontraditional, untraditional

   3. Observant of tradition; old-fashioned.

      Her traditional values are antiquated.

      1 more example

      Ryoteis usually look like traditional Japanese inns or even private homes.

      1986, Fodor's Japan

      Synonyms: traditionary, time-honored//time-honoured · Antonyms: nontraditional, untraditional

   4. retronymartProduced with physical media, as opposed to digital art.

      Synonyms: traditionary, time-honored//time-honoured · Antonyms: nontraditional, untraditional

   5. Relating to traditional Chinese.

      The traditional form of the character has twice as many strokes as the simplified form.

      Synonyms: traditionary, time-honored//time-honoured · Antonyms: nontraditional, untraditional

plural traditionals

1. countableOne with traditional beliefs.

   Synonyms: traditionalist

2. countableplural normallyAnything that is traditional, conventional, standard.

   While this year’s list of top names includes some traditionals — Matthew and Michael for boys, for instance, and Emily and Anna for girls — the nontraditional names are still the overwhelming favorites.

   2009 April 25, “Meet Number 16 Bus Shelter”, in Austin Daily Herald, archived from the original on 20 Jul 2025

   1 more example

   Singer Paula Elliot closed the evening's performances with a number of gospel, jazz and blues tunes. Elliot concentrated mostly on traditionals like "Motherless Child," "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," "God Bless the Child," and "Wild Women Don't Get the Blues."

   1984 April 21, Maida Tilchen, “New Song, New Feminism, New Gay Awareness”, in Gay Community News, page 16

3. retronymuncountableartArt produced with physical media, as opposed to digital art.
4. abbreviationellipsisinformaluncountableEllipsis of traditional Chinese.
5. abbreviationellipsisinformaluncountableentertainmentEllipsis of traditional grip.