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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This week, SpaceX moved one step closer to its goal of building its direct-to-device Starlink Mobile service after the FCC approved the aerospace company’s application to deploy and operate 15,000 next-generation Starlink satellites. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 In 2025, the Chinese battery maker CATL unveiled an automobile battery that relies on traditional chemistry to charge in just five minutes; the company also has perfected the mass production of next-generation sodium-ion batteries. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026 These next-generation systems aim to extract far more energy from uranium while slashing waste stockpiles. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026 The new Fashion Coalition proposes to aggregate demand and develop financing models, particularly for next-generation materials and technologies. — Lewis Perkins, Footwear News, 7 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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