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.
PrSM is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile developed for the Army’s HIMARS and M270 launcher platforms. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026 Twenty-one of the 47 brands assessed—45 percent—earned a yellow rating in the reduction category, driven by investment in or use of next-generation materials. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Now, companies like Incyte, Revolution Medicines, Verastem, and China’s Hengrui are developing next-generation drugs that selectively target specific mutations within the RAS family of genes, seeking even better results for patients. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 The company has more in the pipeline, including a next-generation obesity drug that Lilly plans to file for FDA approval early in 2027. — Deena Zaidi,nick Wells, CNBC, 26 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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