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.
Though Generation Z shows some signs of reversing that trend, an estimated 15,000 churches permanently shut their doors in 2025.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Generation Z is showing a welcome affinity for malls after millennials’ lukewarm allegiance, and mall owners are spending more time and money courting this generation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
Just 39% of Generation Z says they feel financially secure, according to a 2026 study from Northwestern Mutual.
From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026
Among Generation Z, about 80% plan to gradually phase different kinds of work into retirement, as do about 60% of millennials.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026
Much of the frustration has been voiced online, particularly among Generation Z - those currently aged between 14 and 29.
From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026
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.
