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.

Derived Forms

• ˌold-ˈworldly, adverb

Other Words From

• old-worldly adjective
• old-worldli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of old-world¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Origin of old-world²

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Ms. Hogrogian was a close friend of the renowned illustrators Maurice Sendak and Ezra Jack Keats, and like them she drew on the old-world European artistry and traditions of her immigrant family to broaden American children’s literature starting in the 1960s.

From New York Times

Embrace the laid-back elegance of Coastal Grandma style and create a space that feels like a seaside retreat with a touch of old-world charm.

From Seattle Times

For some, the cruciferous vegetable has a certain old-world appeal, buoyed by economic practicality and nostalgia.

From Salon

Ballet, a dance of courts and gilded theaters, “is shorthand in film for old-world, aristocratic, wealthy, European,” McLean said.

From New York Times

The gracious, old-world Pabst and Riverside theaters also remain unbooked, according to entertainment industry officials.

From New York Times

Related Words

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