Gen Z

noun

ˈjen-ˈzē 

: generation z

Gen Z is as nuanced and complex as every generation before them … In fact, they are considered to be the most diverse and multicultural generation ever.

—Andrew Kelly and Guy Cierzan

Gen Z is incredibly media savvy, so the challenge for marketers is trying to connect with an audience that already knows every marketing trick in the book.

—Chirag Kulkarni

—often used before another noun

Gen Z activists are using social media to start movements and gather the momentum they need to make positive changes in the world.

—Savanna Smith

—often hyphenated in such use

Gen-Z students/consumers

Gen Zer

ˈjen-ˈzē-ər 

noun

or Gen-Zer

plural Gen Zers or Gen-Zers

… even the oldest Gen Zer was just a tween when the iPhone was released in 2007.

—Ryan Kelly

Though many tend to lump them together, millennials and Gen Zers are two very different cohorts.

—Chad Recchia

Examples of Gen Z in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Gen Z and Millennials are often held as more progressive, men in those demographics are found to be less supportive of gender equality. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 13 July 2024

More than a third of U.S adults — and nearly half of millennials and Gen Z — now have a second stream of income, according to a survey published Wednesday by financial services company Bankrate. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 12 July 2024

Fifty-four percent of Gen Z reported receiving financial assistance citing parents or other family members as the top sources. —Kanika Talwar, WWD, 12 July 2024

The study finds Gen Z focuses on fuel efficiency and smaller cars to navigate life in the city, where 80% of Americans are now living, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data. —Chesnie Wardell, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1996, in the meaning defined above