Definition of generation
1a : a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestorb : a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously the younger generationc : a group of individuals having contemporaneously a status (such as that of students in a school) which each one holds only for a limited periodd : a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type first of the … new generation of powerful supersonic fighters — Kenneth Koyen
2a : the action or process of producing offspring : procreationb : the process of coming or bringing into being generation of incomec : origination by a generating process : production; especially : formation of a geometric figure by motion of another
3 : the average span of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of generation in a Sentence
She was worshipped by a generation of moviegoers.
He was a hero to generations of students.
We need to preserve these resources for future generations.
His books are popular among members of the younger generation.
That family has lived in the same house for four generations.
The house has been passed down in the family from generation to generation.
He has held that position for a generation.
No one dreamed that such things would be possible a generation ago.
The company claims to be developing the next generation of portable computers.
Recent Examples of generation from the Web
-
Its creator, Dave Marver, and his associates met NFL equipment staffers to find out their likes and dislikes, all the while seeking to make a next-generation helmet for protection and performance.
-
In those areas untouched by change, a new generation of English soccer players and, perhaps more important, a new kind of English soccer player are starting to emerge.
-
Finland is in the process of replacing its aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets with next generation F/X military aircraft, with the project expected to cost 5 billion to 10 billion euros.
-
Truxton Circle is one of those District neighborhoods struggling to gentrify while still confronting entrenched violence that stretches back generations.
-
The Felix Weldon statue, based on the Joe Rosenthal photo of the six marines raising the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima, provided a stirring tribute to the Marine Corps—and to the World War II generation.
-
Their journey to that moment, on April 25, spanned three generations, two continents and considerable personal and financial costs.
-
A: To train each generation to appreciate and love the arts, music, theater, build confidence and love the Lord, all at the same time.
-
Owner Naimeh Shunnarah uses generations-old family recipes.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of generation
Middle English generacioun “procreation, development, offspring, lineage,” borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French generacion, borrowed from Late Latin generātiōn-, generātiō, going back to Latin, “procreation,” from generāre “to bring into being, generate” + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Genetics Terms
GENERATION Defined for English Language Learners
generation
playDefinition of generation for English Language Learners
-
: a group of people born and living during the same time
-
: the people in a family born and living during the same time
-
: the average length of time between the birth of parents and the birth of their children
GENERATION Defined for Kids
generation
playDefinition of generation for Students
1 : those being a single step in a line originating from one ancestor This family has lived in town for four generations.
2 : a group of individuals born and living at about the same time the younger generation
3 : the act or process of producing or creating something the generation of heat
Medical Dictionary
generation
playMedical Definition of generation
1a: a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestorb: a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously
2: the average span of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring
3: the action or process of producing offspring : procreation
Learn More about generation
-
See words that rhyme with generation Spanish Central: Translation of generation Nglish: Translation of generation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of generation for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up generation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!