iteration

American  

[it-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɪt əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

iterations plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• iterations
  plural

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

See Examples For:

iteration iterations

The analysts think the next iteration of Tencent’s model by late 2026 or early 2027 represents a sensible base case for the next step forward.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

Granted, Sandisk has only been a standalone public company in its current iteration since February 2025, but this quarterly performance is notable because it follows triple-digit gains in each of the prior three quarters.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

Especially because, with this dull, dowdy current iteration dragging its cape into theaters, it already has.

From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026

The first iteration of Boleros de Noche took place in 2015 at an art gallery in Echo Park.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 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

Hasbro realized that unauthorized iterations of its brands would inevitably surface—as some already have—across chat, voice, gaming and content-creation platforms as AI-native experiences become increasingly commonplace.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

“I can’t tell you how many iterations of sand were brought in and taken out,” Tafazoli said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026

This is because the latest version of iOS introduces age checks for UK iPhone users, as well as for iPads running on up-to-date iterations of its own operating system, iPadOS.

From BBC ● May 5, 2026

"For each costume, we'd go through around 50 iterations," said Hugo Caselles‑Dupre, also of Obvious.

From Barron's ● May 4, 2026

When he finds several painstaking iterations of a mold that match exactly the size and pear-cut shape of the stone in the vault at the museum, he knows he has his man.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr