: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Old World
old-world traditions/attitudes/beliefs
Many recipes for old-world cakes … call for whisking egg yolks with sugar until a pale yellow foam forms.—
Ben Mims
Ben MimsPronghorns, distinctly North American and not allied to old-world goats or antelope, are the fastest land mammals on earth after cheetahs.—Ted Williams
Ted Williams
often
: having the charm or picturesque qualities of the Old World
narrow old-world streets
… the house radiates a European sensibility … By recognizing and building upon this appealing old-world integrity, Joanne Deakins has placed the definitive stamp of her own decorating taste and style on the home's interior and furnishings. —Southern Accents
Southern Accents The hotel is very old-world, and the tall dining room has all the accoutrements that a luxury hotel once required. —Lillian Langseth-Christensen
Lillian Langseth-Christensen
Phrases
the Old World
: the eastern hemisphere exclusive of Australia
… the pomegranate has been naturalized for so long throughout the Old World that no one is quite sure where it originated (but Persia seems most likely).—Elizabeth Schneider
Elizabeth SchneiderDuring the late Miocene, various kinds of apes evolved in widely separated parts of the Old World (but none in the New World).—Marvin Harris
Marvin Harris
specifically
: the continent of Europe
The Atlantic is a Lethean stream, in our passage over which we have had an opportunity to forget the Old World and its institutions. —Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau From America, the Old World would receive new staffs of life, such as corn and potatoes, as well as some of life's guilty pleasures, such as tobacco and chocolate. —Peter Winn
compare new world
Peter Winn Synonyms
Examples of old-world in a Sentence
Adjective
the theater has been painstakingly restored to its old-world elegance
Recent Examples on the Web
Caroline Dolby, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Other old-world details include an ornamental chandelier in the amenity space reproduced from an original design that once hung in Steinway Hall.
—Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
To achieve that old-world feel, Leigh and Hahn chose to mix rich hues with warm white oak and bold natural stones to lend an earthy and organic vibe.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
Book Now French Inspired Maison in Hudson Valley Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
Stay at this charming townhouse in Hudson Valley, which is chock full of antiques and old-world details.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for old-world 
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.
Adjective
Arriving via the gorgeous gardens of Grosvenor Square, my partner and I oohed and aahed at the imposing marble, opulent chandeliers and old-world glamour of the hotel lobby.
—Caroline Dolby, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Other old-world details include an ornamental chandelier in the amenity space reproduced from an original design that once hung in Steinway Hall.
—Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
To achieve that old-world feel, Leigh and Hahn chose to mix rich hues with warm white oak and bold natural stones to lend an earthy and organic vibe.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
Book Now French Inspired Maison in Hudson Valley Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
Stay at this charming townhouse in Hudson Valley, which is chock full of antiques and old-world details.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for old-world
Dictionary Entries Near old-world
Cite this Entry
“Old-world.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-world. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share