generation
noun
gen·er·a·tion
ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən 
1
a
: a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor
b
: a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously
the younger generation
c
: a group of individuals having contemporaneously a status (such as that of students in a school) which each one holds only for a limited period
d
: a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type
first of the … new generation of powerful supersonic fighters—
Kenneth Koyen
Kenneth Koyen2
a
: the action or process of producing offspring : procreation
b
: the process of coming or bringing into being
generation of income
c
: 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
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 on the Web
Not only did Dylan’s music reach a new generation of Millennials, but the ostensibly underground culture of collecting and sharing his music also translated to modern times.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
Today, the Flagler and Kenan families, direct heirs of Henry Flagler, continue to steward the property four generations later with his same vision: preserving its storied past and lofty standards while ensuring its vibrant appeal for each new generation.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 May 2025
Once the first generation of mom-and-pop motels prospered, the first chain operations arose and followed, targeting travelers who wanted no surprises.
—Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Though only a recent addition to the Gulf Shores landscape, this state-of-the-art institution is certain to become a local favorite over time, imbuing younger residents with a deep affinity for the outdoors that’s bound to carry on for generations.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for generation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
Today, the Flagler and Kenan families, direct heirs of Henry Flagler, continue to steward the property four generations later with his same vision: preserving its storied past and lofty standards while ensuring its vibrant appeal for each new generation.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 May 2025
Once the first generation of mom-and-pop motels prospered, the first chain operations arose and followed, targeting travelers who wanted no surprises.
—Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Though only a recent addition to the Gulf Shores landscape, this state-of-the-art institution is certain to become a local favorite over time, imbuing younger residents with a deep affinity for the outdoors that’s bound to carry on for generations.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for generation
Cite this Entry
“Generation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generation
noun
gen·er·a·tion
ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: those being a step in a line from one ancestor
a family that has lived in the same house for four generations
b
: a group of individuals born and living at the same time
c
: a type or class of objects developed from an earlier type
2
: the average length of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring
3
: the action or process of generating
Medical Definition
generation
noun
gen·er·a·tion
ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor
b
: 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
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