next-generation

adjective

next-gen·​er·​a·​tion ˈnekst-ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce next-generation (audio)
variants or less commonly next generation
: of or relating to a potential, forthcoming, or brand-new version of an existing product or technology : next-gen
The older hardware companies don't have the field to themselves. They're being challenged by waves of start-ups with next-generation technology.Bethany McLean
The finding has added fuel to a long-standing dispute over the Navy's next-generation sonar technology—a system that environmentalists say poses grave risks to marine mammals.David Kohn
Mr. [Lewis] Dale [General Motor's director of public policy] said the world's largest automaker spent $1 billion on electric vehicle and fuel cell research and prototype production in the past decade. He said GM doesn't want to make just 50,000 next generation vehicles, but rather sell millions.Mike Pare

Examples of next-generation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Vogtle project was a nearly $35 billion boondoggle, plagued by massive cost overruns, to build Westinghouse’s next-generation, light-water AP1000 reactors. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 13 June 2026 How The iPhone Ultra Changes Apple’s Portfolio Apple will establish a premium $1,999 iPhone Ultra price point to test the limit of luxury pricing and absorb escalating next-generation component costs. Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Canadarm2 helped build the ISS and supports station activities, and Canadarm3 is a next-generation arm being constructed to support the Artemis program, which saw CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen fly around the moon on Artemis 2 in April. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 12 June 2026 By controlling fluid flow within the system, the device can gently squeeze the wearer's finger and wrist to recreate realistic touch sensations, demonstrating potential applications in virtual reality, teleoperation, rehabilitation, and next-generation wearable interfaces. New Atlas, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for next-generation

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of next-generation was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Next-generation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next-generation. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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