traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce traditional (audio)
1
: of or relating to tradition : consisting of or derived from tradition
a traditional celebration
2
: handed down from age to age
traditional history
traditional songs/stories
3
: following or conforming to tradition : adhering to past practices or established conventions
traditional morality
traditional values/beliefs
employing traditional methods of cooking
traditionally adverb
a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar
a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
About 68% of traditional elementary schools in those districts had an average roster size under 23 students, compared to 37% in the other board districts. Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025 Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 31 July 2025 And after an app user hit the $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot on Feb. 17, Patrick made an unannounced visit to the Austin retailer that sold the winning ticket and was stunned to see that the outlet was not a traditional convenience store. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 For years, Harvey Nichols’ ground floor has housed jewelry, beauty and accessories such as sunglasses and bags, but in a more traditional, open-plan department store format. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for traditional

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditional was in 1545

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Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective
tra·​di·​tion·​al
trə-ˈdish-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
1
: handed down from age to age without writing
2
: based on custom
our traditional Thanksgiving dinner
traditionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on traditional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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