next

1 of 4

adjective

1
: immediately adjacent (as in place, rank, or time)
2
: any other considered hypothetically
knew it as well as the next man

see also next to nothing

next

2 of 4

preposition

: nearest or adjacent to

next

3 of 4

adverb

1
: in the time, place, or order nearest or immediately succeeding
next we drove home
the next closest school
2
: on the first occasion to come
when next we meet

next

4 of 4

noun

: one that is next
from one day to the next

Examples of next in a Sentence

Adjective I'll see you next Monday. Next year's party will be even better. the very next thing that happened Can I help the next person in line? Who's next? We could hear people talking in the next room. At the next set of lights, turn left. I need the next size up. The next time we will see each other will be on our wedding day. Next time, please remember to bring your books to class. She knew the answer as well as the next person. Adverb Next, I need to ask you a few questions about your family.
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.
Adjective
For the next few years, Hewson considered alternatives to his densovirus theory. JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025 Amid a stretch of 10 consecutive games against Eastern Conference opponents, the Ducks are on the road for the next five before returning to Orange County in two weeks to face Detroit. Josh Gross, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Preposition
If the Phillies end up losing Schwarber to free agency, bringing in an All-Star like Tucker long term would be a great addition as the team eyes a return to the playoffs next season. Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 That and other work, including on engagement, would happen this school year to set up for launch next school year. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your vacation list? Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 The Athletic has spoken to people close to the squad and those with an understanding of how decisions are made at Forest — who wish to remain anonymous to protect relationships — to get an idea of where Postecoglou stands and what might happen next. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
Incoming Data There are still several weeks before the FOMC next meets, during that time there will be more data on the economy. Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 So bouncing from one tone and genre to the next creates a whiplash effect, even though some of the episodes — that fourth one in particular — are quite good. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for next

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English nīehst, superlative of nēah nigh — more at nigh

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of next was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Next.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

next

1 of 3 adjective
: coming immediately before or following
the next page
the house next to ours

next

2 of 3 preposition
(ˈ)nekst

next

3 of 3 adverb
ˈnekst
1
: in the nearest time, place, or order following
open this package next
2
: at the first time to come after this
when next we meet

More from Merriam-Webster on next

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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