iteration

American  

[it-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɪt əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of repeating; a repetition.

2. Mathematics.

   1. Also called successive approximation.  a problem-solving or computational method in which a succession of approximations, each building on the one preceding, is used to achieve a desired degree of accuracy.

   2. an instance of the use of this method.

3. Digital Technology.

   1. a repetition of a statement or statements in a computer program.

   2. a different version of an existing data set, software program, hardware device, etc..

      A new iteration of the data will be released next month.

4. a different form or version of something.

   He designed the previous iteration of our logo.

5. a development strategy that involves a cyclical process of refining or tweaking the latest version of a product, process, or idea to make a subsequent version.

   Our startup is relying on rapid iteration in the next software development cycle.

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Etymology

Origin of iteration

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English from Latin iterātiōn-, stem of iterātiō; see iterate, -ion

Explanation

An iteration is a repetition of something. Your nagging friend's message might be lost on you after the umpteenth iteration. The noun iteration comes from the Latin verb iterum, which means "again," which makes a lot of sense when you consider the meaning of the word, "the act of repeating." Don’t get confused by the similar word reiteration, which essentially means the same thing. Either word is proper to use. Although when you think about it, the "re" means again anyway, so that word actually means "to repeat again," which is in itself a little redundant, don't you think?

Example Sentences

It is the third iteration of a hugely popular shoe.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s head of artificial-intelligence software, said on Wednesday’s call that a digital iteration of the Version 14 software used in modern Tesla cars will be released by the end of June.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

The project will vertically integrate logic, memory and advanced packing to allow for quick iteration, given Tesla expects higher chip demand than what the industry’s existing and planned capacity can accommodate, it says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

On a Sunday in Shanghai, around 20 people in their 20s and 30s packed into a conference room for Dai's 134th iteration of a three-hour ideas swap on going it alone.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

In each new iteration of Super Smash Bros., the characters get upgraded—they receive new powers, new moves, or just tweaks to their classic designs.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer