new wave

noun

variants often New Wave
Synonyms of new wavenext
1
: a cinematic movement that is characterized by improvisation, abstraction, and subjective symbolism and that often makes use of experimental photographic techniques
2
: a new movement in a particular field
3
: popular music less raw than punk rock and typically including unconventional melodies, exaggerated beats, and quirky lyrics
4
: dernier cri
especially : fashion that is strikingly outrageous
new-wave
ˈnü-ˈwāv How to pronounce new wave (audio)
ˈnyü-, 
-ˌwāv
adjective
new waver
ˈnü-ˈwā-vər How to pronounce new wave (audio)
ˈnyü-
noun

Examples of new wave in a Sentence

people who listened to punk, New Wave, or disco
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.
Roughly a decade ago, a new wave of investor interest in the commercial space sector began, but experts say this time is different. — Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 29 June 2026 The handheld optics world is entering a new wave of advancements with the advent of smart binoculars that can identify stars and animals directly through the eyepieces. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 26 June 2026 This new wave of nostalgia is shaping how families connect with Disney today—mixing classic storytelling with modern culture and emotion. — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 5 July 2026 Five years after the Ghostbusters took the Statue of Liberty for a walk, a new wave of supernatural terror hits the Big Apple. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for new wave

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of new wave was in 1960

Rhymes for new wave

See All Rhymes for new wave

Browse Nearby Words

new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
new wave
New Westminster
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Cite this Entry

“New wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/new%20wave. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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