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 company will produce conductive carbons and carbon nanostructures designed to improve the performance of next-generation batteries at facilities in Louisiana and Texas. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026 When the founder can’t fully step back, the next-generation leader can’t fully step forward. Joy Nissen, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The show will utilize Sphere’s next-generation technologies, including the world’s highest-resolution LED display that wraps up, over, and around the audience creating a fully immersive visual environment. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026 The company said proceeds from the fundraising will support the development of its next-generation AI models, including research and development, training and inference infrastructure, and commercialization. Jenny Lee, CNBC, 14 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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