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.

Other Word Forms

• old-worldly adjective
• old-worldliness 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

On Nov. 9 at around 5 p.m., this tradition continues in Huntington Beach’s Old World Village.

From Los Angeles Times

Old World vultures scavenge more than their American sisters, and white-backed vultures is even considered an obligate scavenger, lacking the ability to kill its prey.

From Salon

It’s not remotely surprising that the Old World’s new-wave right-wingers are eager to cultivate relationships with the world’s richest man.

From Salon

And Senna himself — handsome, media savvy and impatient with the Old World politics he found in F1 when he joined the circuit in 1984 — was instrumental in setting the transformation in motion.

From Los Angeles Times

South could flourish despite the historical baggage of the American Revolution’s break from the Old World and its attendant monarchies and aristocracies.

From Salon

Related Words

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