classical music

NOUN

serious music

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chamber music

WEAK

art music classic concert music longhair music operatic music semiclassical music symphonic music

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before Ilaiyaraaja, a lot of film music was rooted in Indian classical music.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Even classical music listeners have their version in what may be the most legendary rivalry of all — the one that also-ran Italian composer Antonio Salieri supposedly nursed with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

The wider public discovered Monroe, sporting long braided hair, in a TV talent show dedicated to young classical music virtuosos.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

In addition to classical music, this “Man Who Knew Too Much” has pop and a pop-star heroine, one juggling motherhood with a singing career.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

As I walked up a marble stairway, a trio of musicians was playing classical music.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter