new wave

noun

variants often New Wave

1

: a cinematic movement that is characterized by improvisation, abstraction, and subjective symbolism and that often makes use of experimental photographic techniques

2

: a new movement in a particular field

3

: popular music less raw than punk rock and typically including unconventional melodies, exaggerated beats, and quirky lyrics

4

: dernier cri

especially : fashion that is strikingly outrageous

new-wave

ˈnü-ˈwāv 

ˈnyü-, 

-ˌwāv

adjective

new waver

ˈnü-ˈwā-vər 

ˈnyü-

noun

Examples of new wave in a Sentence

people who listened to punk, New Wave, or disco

Recent Examples on the Web

With a new wave of extraordinary properties, transformative experiences, and a clear vision rooted in sustainability and authenticity, the country is emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations for the discerning traveler. —Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

This safety feature is indispensable, which makes this new wave of thefts particularly pernicious. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026

For this summer, Michaels has identified a new wave of popular crafting projects by looking at the search terms that shoppers used most. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026

With each trend, a new wave crashes through, carried by media coverage, venture capital and ambitious line extensions. —Keren Novack, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for new wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave