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 goal is to solve the nation’s nuclear waste disposal problems just in time to power the construction gold rush of AI data centers with a renaissance of next-generation nuclear energy. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 So did Leerink, which touted Lilly's improving profitability and next-generation obesity drugs. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 The fuel reached the aircraft through the airport’s existing fuel system, providing a real-world demonstration of next-generation aviation fuel technology. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 Matt is Chief Revenue Officer at Identity Digital, a global leader in next-generation top-level domains and digital identity. Matt Overman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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