Definition of "academic"

Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato  examples

Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning, or a scholarly society or organization.  quotations  examples

In particular: relating to literary, classical, or artistic studies like the humanities, rather than to technical or vocational studies like engineering or welding.  quotations  examples

Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed and unengaging, or by being theoretical and speculative with no practical importance.  quotations  examples

Having a love of or aptitude for learning.  examples

(art) Conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional; formalistic.

1. Subscribing to the architectural standards of Vitruvius.  examples

So scholarly as to be unaware of the outside world; lacking in worldliness; inexperienced in practical matters.  examples

(usually capitalized) A follower of Plato, a Platonist.  examples

A senior member of an academy, college, or university; a person who attends an academy; a person engaged in scholarly pursuits; one who is academic in practice.  quotations  examples

A member of the Academy; an academician.  quotations  examples

(archaic) A student in a college.

(plural only) Academic dress; academicals.  examples

(plural only) Academic studies.  examples