new wave

noun

variants often New Wave

1

: a cinematic movement that is characterized by improvisation, abstraction, and subjective symbolism and that often makes use of experimental photographic techniques

2

: a new movement in a particular field

3

: popular music less raw than punk rock and typically including unconventional melodies, exaggerated beats, and quirky lyrics

4

: dernier cri

especially : fashion that is strikingly outrageous

new-wave

ˈnü-ˈwāv 

ˈnyü-, 

-ˌwāv

adjective

new waver

ˈnü-ˈwā-vər 

ˈnyü-

noun

Examples of new wave in a Sentence

people who listened to punk, New Wave, or disco

Recent Examples on the Web

Former Keshet International boss Shtruzman and ex-Cristal Pictures Co-CEO Einbinder launched New Short Media earlier this year, one of a new wave of vertical drama platforms tapping into the in-vogue medium. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

The country’s lifestyle, cultural heritage and craft infrastructure have attracted a new wave of international businesses to Casablanca and Marrakech, while members of the diaspora are returning with experience and networks built abroad. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

Jiangnan Wok represents a new wave in Richmond dining, Lee told me, one filled with second- and third-generation immigrants. — Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026

Arrieta brings up names like Oliver Laxe, Los Javis and Alauda Ruiz De Azúa as exponents of this new wave. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for new wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave