wave of the future

noun phrase

: an idea, product, or movement that is viewed as representing forces or a trend that will inevitably prevail

Examples of wave of the future 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.
SMRs have loomed as the theoretical wave of the future in nuclear power generation for several years now, and some demonstration projects are developing that may provide breakthroughs in the next few years. David Blackmon, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 All of a sudden, virtual technology seems less like a fading fad and more like a viable wave of the future — and Meta, keeper of chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse dreams, must be thrilled. Adriana Lee, WWD, 30 Sep. 2024 Further, despite giving credit for interdisciplinary faculty, the NRC’s ranking of disciplinary departments ignores interdisciplinary programs, supposedly the academic wave of the future. Peter Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 15 Sep. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wave of the future was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near wave of the future

Cite this Entry

“Wave of the future.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wave%20of%20the%20future. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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!