iteration

noun it·er·a·tion \ ˌi-tə-ˈrā-shən \

Definition of iteration

1 :the action or a process of iterating or repeating: such as

a :a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result

b :the repetition of a sequence of computer instructions a specified number of times or until a condition is met — compare recursion

2 :one execution of a sequence of operations or instructions in an iteration

3 :version, incarnation

the latest iteration of the operating system

See iteration defined for kids

Examples of iteration in a Sentence

your constant iteration of the same piddling complaints is wearing thin

Recent Examples of iteration from the Web

In this op-ed, Jared Michael Lowe explores the history of the polo shirt and its current iteration as a white supremacist uniform.

— jared michael lowe, Teen Vogue, "How Polo Shirts Became a White Supremacist Uniform," 29 Aug. 2017
Senior Olympics: Registration for the 35th iteration of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is open through Sept. 2.

— bonnie smith, Washington Post, "Prince William sports announcements," 28 Aug. 2017
Now in six-packs of 12-ounce cans instead of its original iteration in four-packs of 16-ounce tallboys, River House now belongs as a contemporary with other occasional annual releases like Septemberfest and Salsa Verde.

— scooter hendon, star-telegram, "Early favorite River House floats back onto beer shelves," 23 Aug. 2017
Since clogged pores are at the root of all acne iterations, one of the best treatments is regular exfoliation to keep those follicles clear.

— lauren hubbard, Harper's BAZAAR, "Everything You Need To Know To Get Rid of Acne Once And For All," 8 Aug. 2017
This new iteration of the repeal comes after two versions failed to win over the 50 GOP senators needed.

— michael mcauliff, Kaiser Health News, "McCain Votes No, Derails ‘Skinny Repeal’ In Marathon Session," 28 July 2017
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the second iteration, which stalled on July 17th, would have resulted in 22m fewer insured within a decade.

— The Economist, "Not repealing Obamacare," 20 July 2017
When news broke that after 55 years and 12 male iterations, Doctor Who’s new Time Lord is going to be a woman—specifically, Jodie Whittaker—many fans were elated.

— vanityfair.com, "Shocker: Not Everyone Wants a Female Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker Doesn’t Care," 17 July 2017
Tobey's iteration of Spider-Man is pretty much legendary at this point.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Who's the best Spider-Man: Tobey Maguire or Tom Holland?," 14 July 2017

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