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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If scaled outside of a laboratory, such a material could be used for things like designing next-generation materials for waste heat energy recovery. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 The initial test drop, which employed BDU-56 practice bombers, highlighted how front-line squadrons could employ the Eagle II to carry heavy, next-generation munitions. Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Its payload includes a cache of Starlink V3 satellites—next-generation spacecraft that are the largest and heaviest yet launched for SpaceX’s relentless expansion of its broadband Internet megaconstellation. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 16 July 2026 The assistant secretary’s office is involved in decisions about funding next-generation vaccines against pandemic flu or other infectious disease threats. Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 15 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Next-generation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next-generation. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster