future

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​ture ˈfyü-chər How to pronounce future (audio)
1
: that is to be
specifically : existing after death
On religion (by which he chiefly means Christianity), [philosopher Michael] Oakeshott is subtle. … He deprecates the doctrine of a future life, not as being impossible, but because it distracts people from the unique importance of the life they have. Charles Moore
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense expressive of time yet to come
a verb in the future tense
"will" and "shall" are used as future auxiliaries
3
: existing or occurring at a later time
We cannot foretell future events.
… the chance meeting one day of your future spouse …Robert W. Lucky

future

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: time that is to come
b
: what is going to happen
2
: an expectation of advancement or progressive development
3
: something (such as a bulk commodity) bought for future acceptance or sold for future delivery
usually used in plural
grain futures
4
a
: the future tense of a language
b
: a verb form in the future tense

Examples of future in a Sentence

Adjective We cannot predict future events. Future generations will benefit from this research. Noun We're making plans for the future. They will hire more people sometime in the future. What do you think you will be doing in the future? What does the future hold for you? It's impossible to predict the future. The company faces an uncertain future. The future was already decided for her.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Calling over Zoom from his studio in Los Angeles, the performer opens up to PEOPLE about possibly continuing the *NSYNC reunion, a potential future solo album and the online support he's received in recent years. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Is the Alice blonde a hint about a future color transformation or just a fun costume idea? Kara Nesvig, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
When asked by analysts what the company’s future holds with respect to LVMH’s modest involvement in the business, Santel said Moncler is still independent. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 ByteDance’s uncertain future in the U.S. appears to mirror China’s apprehension. Samuel Burke, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for future 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin futurus about to be — more at be

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of future was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near future

Cite this Entry

“Future.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/future. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

future

1 of 2 adjective
fu·​ture ˈfyü-chər How to pronounce future (audio)
1
: coming after the present
future events
2
: of, relating to, or being a verb form in the future tense

future

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: time that is to come
sometime in the future
b
: what is going to happen
predict the future
2
: expectation of future success
a promising future
3
: something (as a commodity) bought or sold for delivery at a future time
usually used in plural
grain futures
4
b
: a verb form in the future tense
Etymology

Adjective

Middle English future "future," from early French futur (same meaning) and Latin futurus "about to be," from the Latin verb esse "to be"

Legal Definition

future

noun
fu·​ture
: a contract traded on an exchange in which a party agrees to buy or sell a quantity of a bulk commodity (as soybeans) at a specified future date and at a set price
usually used in pl.

Note: If the price of the commodity has gone up when the future date arrives, the buyer in the contract profits. If the price has gone down, the seller profits.

More from Merriam-Webster on future

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!