Generation Z
Americannoun
Usage
What does Generation Z mean? Generation Z is the name for the generation of children after the millennials, born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Etymology
Origin of Generation Z
First recorded in 1990–95; patterned on Generation X ( def. ), Generation Y ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fidelity said it has seen strong participation by Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026
That’s the answer many in Generation Z give when confronted with online fraud and privacy concerns.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026
The competition, which is split between running and fitness exercises, has proven particularly popular with young millennials and Generation Z - people in their twenties to early forties.
From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026
The plight of Gen X could put strain on their younger Generation Z children, who may be called upon to help support their parents.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025
Many may already be unemployable; the state recently suffered the nation’s highest rate of unemployment, particularly for teenagers and Generation Z, or people under 30.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
