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

That’s a victory for Adidas as Sawe wore the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, a super-light racing shoe weighing just over 97 grams, some 30% lighter than the previous iteration.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

It is the third iteration of a hugely popular shoe.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

The reports of these restrictions hits just as Chinese start-up DeepSeek unveiled the latest iteration of its AI model External link and reported it was seeking external funding.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Every iteration of the World Cup has some sort of pre-tournament rage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

I’d stopped using the word fascinated to describe the way he engaged with me and my life, because the pejorative iteration of the word no longer seemed fair.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi