modern Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a contemporary person
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.
adjective belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
- modern art
- modern furniture
- modern history
- totem poles are modern rather than prehistoric
adjective satellite relating to a recently developed fashion or style;
modernistic; mod.
- their offices are in a modern skyscraper
- tables in modernistic designs
adjective satellite characteristic of present-day art and music and literature and architecture
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?
adjective satellite used of a living language; being the current stage in its development
New.
- Modern English
- New Hebrew is Israeli Hebrew

F. moderne, L. modernus; akin to modo just now, orig. abl. of modus measure; hence, by measure, just now. See Mode.

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.
New and common; trite; commonplace. Obs.
We have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Shak.