new wave

noun

often capitalized N&W
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 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.
But his most valuable foil, Fidel Castro, is dead, replaced by a new wave of unintimidated citizens determined to oust him as a barrier to the city’s maturation. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 Looking ahead, a new wave of resorts is poised to raise the bar even higher in 2025. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2025 New rules could also usher in a new wave of legal challenges. Adam Tamburin, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, there’s also a new wave of brides who are opting out of the traditional white dress altogether, instead going for something more rewearable from the outset. Emily Chan, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“New wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/new%20wave. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on new wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!