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

Recently, the hotel has become part of a new wave reshaping Croatia’s luxury scene—less yacht-party, more low-key Riviera chic—while still maintaining a homey feel. —Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Now, though, ‘chatfishing,’ a new wave of online deception, is taking over dating apps. —Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

While these systems are established, a new wave of advanced fission designs is being developed to enhance safety and performance. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026

Beijing is pumping money into the industry, backing research efforts and helping launch a new wave of labs and incubators in the country. —Brad Quick, CNBC, 16 Jan. 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