a contemporary person
"The modern artist displayed her latest paintings at the downtown gallery yesterday."
a typeface (based on an 18th century design by Gianbattista Bodoni) distinguished by regular shape and hairline serifs and heavy downstrokes
"The designer chose the modern font for its distinctive hairline serifs and bold downstrokes."
Someone who lives in modern times.
"The architect insisted that the new museum must feature a modern design to reflect its contemporary purpose."
In plain English: A modern person is someone who lives today and accepts new ideas and technology instead of sticking to old ways.
"The modern of our time is known for embracing rapid technological change."
Usage: Use "modern" as a noun only to describe a person living in current times, though this usage is often replaced by the adjective form "modernist" or simply referring to the individual's era. Avoid using it as a standalone noun when you mean the time period itself, which should be described with the phrase "modern times."
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
"modern art"
"modern furniture"
"modern history"
"totem poles are modern rather than prehistoric"
relating to a recently developed fashion or style
"their offices are in a modern skyscraper"
"tables in modernistic designs"
characteristic of present-day art and music and literature and architecture
"The museum's new wing features sleek glass walls and open spaces that perfectly embody modern architectural principles."
ahead of the times
"the advanced teaching methods"
"had advanced views on the subject"
"a forward-looking corporation"
"is British industry innovative enough?"
Pertaining to a current or recent time and style; not ancient.
"The museum exhibit featured modern sculptures that contrasted sharply with the ancient artifacts in the next hall."
In plain English: Modern means something that is new, current, and up-to-date with today's technology and style.
"The city has many modern buildings with glass windows."
Usage: Use modern to describe something that belongs to the present day or very recent times, contrasting it with older styles. It applies to both physical objects like technology and abstract concepts such as art or language.
The word modern comes from the Middle French moderne, which was borrowed from Late Latin modernus. It ultimately traces back to the Latin root for "measure," evolving through the sense of something done "just now" or recently before entering English.