modern Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a contemporary person
  2. noun a typeface (based on an 18th century design by Gianbattista Bodoni) distinguished by regular shape and hairline serifs and heavy downstrokes
    Bodoni font; modern font; Bodoni.
  3. adjective belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
    • modern art
    • modern furniture
    • modern history
    • totem poles are modern rather than prehistoric
  4. adjective satellite relating to a recently developed fashion or style;
    modernistic; mod.
    • their offices are in a modern skyscraper
    • tables in modernistic designs
  5. adjective satellite characteristic of present-day art and music and literature and architecture
  6. adjective satellite ahead of the times
    forward-looking; advanced; innovative.
    • the advanced teaching methods
    • had advanced views on the subject
    • a forward-looking corporation
    • is British industry innovative enough?
  7. adjective satellite used of a living language; being the current stage in its development
    New.
    • Modern English
    • New Hebrew is Israeli Hebrew

WordNet


Mod"ern adjective
Etymology
F. moderne, L. modernus; akin to modo just now, orig. abl. of modus measure; hence, by measure, just now. See Mode.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the present time, or time not long past; late; not ancient or remote in past time; of recent period; as, modern days, ages, or time; modern authors; modern fashions; modern taste; modern practice. Bacon.
  2. New and common; trite; commonplace. Obs.
    We have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Shak.
Mod"ern noun
Definitions
  1. A person of modern times; -- opposed to ancient. Pope.

Webster 1913