1. plural of classical; works, authors, or texts from ancient Greece and Rome, or from the classical period of a culture or art form
Usage: often used in academic and literary contexts; can refer to classical music compositions or classical literature
2. students or scholars who study classical languages, literature, or civilization
Usage: chiefly British educational context

Examples

• She spent her summer reading the classicals of ancient Greek philosophy.
• The orchestra performed several classicals from the Baroque period.
• Many classicals have been translated into modern English for contemporary readers.
• He was one of the few classicals at the university who could read Latin fluently.
• The library's collection of classicals includes first editions of Homer and Virgil.