future

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adjective fu·ture \ˈfyü-chər\

Definition of future

1 : that is to be; specifically : existing after death doctrine of a future life — John Kenrick
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense expressive of time yet to come
3 : existing or occurring at a later time met his future wife We cannot foretell future events.

See future defined for English-language learners

See future defined for kids

Examples of future in a Sentence

We cannot predict future events.
Future generations will benefit from this research.

Recent Examples of future from the Web

Palestinians hope to establish their capital of a future state in east Jerusalem.

— ilan ben zion, Jewish Journal, "In test for Trump, Israel plans 800 east Jerusalem homes", 5 July 2017
The Celtics landed a verbal commitment from All-Star forward Gordon Hayward without giving up any future assets.

— k.c. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "In landing Gordon Hayward, Celtics helped Bulls' rebuilding plan after all", 4 July 2017
Under his guidance, the Trumps settled by agreeing to stipulations to prevent future discrimination at their properties—but came away without admitting guilt.

— marie brenner, The Hive, "How Donald Trump and Roy Cohn’s Ruthless Symbiosis Changed America", 4 July 2017
After the launch on May 14th, Mr Schilling speculated that the Hwasong-12 was being used to develop the technologies and systems needed for future ICBMs.

— The Economist, "The wrong kind of fireworksNorth Korea’s long-range-missile test will alarm Washington", 4 July 2017
Right. Pippa Middleton is the sister of the future Queen of England.

— jennifer wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Stop Telling Women They Need to "Marry Up"", 3 July 2017
The 48-year-old last year became the first finance chief in Norwegian history to start withdrawals from the $960 billion wealth fund, built over the past two decades to save oil revenue for future generations.

— sveinung sleire, Bloomberg.com, "After Beating the Oil Bust, Norway's Finance Chief Faces Voters", 2 July 2017
The baby conversation was no longer a lighthearted one about our imaginary, future, bilingual daughter.

— joanne solomon, Longreads, "When it Takes Being Thrown to Learn How to Land", 1 July 2017
And more importantly, they're meant to protect future contestants from the implicit consequences of a reality TV environment that demands entertainment at any cost, personal included.

— lilian min, Cosmopolitan, "All Bachelor in Paradise Hookups Reportedly Need to be Producer-Approved", 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'future'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of future

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

future

noun fu·ture

Definition of future

1a : time that is to comeb : 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
4a : the future tense of a languageb : a verb form in the future tense

See future defined for English-language learners

Examples of future in a Sentence

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 of future from the Web

If AbleGamers Player Panels take off, the future could be even brighter.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "AbleGamers' Player Panels could make future games more disability-friendly", 29 June 2017
Hurn said the congregation has talked about doing other projects like this one in the future.

— emily sorensen, Rancho Bernardo, "Rancho Bernardo church helps Poway family in need", 28 June 2017

Origin and Etymology of future

see ¹future

NEW!

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

FUTURE Defined for English Language Learners

future

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adjective

Definition of future for English Language Learners

: coming after the present time : existing in the future
—used to say what someone or something will be

future

noun

Definition of future for English Language Learners

: the period of time that will come after the present time
the future : the events that will happen after the present time
: the condition or situation of someone or something in the time that will come

FUTURE Defined for Kids

future

play

adjective fu·ture \ˈfyü-chər\

Definition of future for Students

: coming after the present future events

future

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noun fu·ture

Definition of future for Students

1 : the period of time that is to come What will happen in the future?
2 : the chance of future success You have a bright future.

Law Dictionary

future

noun fu·ture

Legal Definition of future

: 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 plural

Additional Notes on future

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.