next

American  

[nekst] / nɛkst /

adjective

1. immediately following in time, order, importance, etc..

   the next day;

   the next person in line.

2. nearest or adjacent in place or position.

   the next room.

3. nearest in relationship or kinship.

---

adverb

1. in the place, time, importance, etc., nearest or immediately following.

   We're going to London next.

   This is my next oldest daughter.

2. on the first occasion to follow.

   when next we meet.

preposition

1. adjacent to; nearest.

   It's in the closet next the blackboard.

idioms

1. next to,

   1. adjacent to.

      He sat next to his sister.

   2. almost; nearly.

      next to impossible.

   3. aside from.

      Next to cake, ice cream is my favorite dessert.

2. next door to,

   1. in an adjacent house, apartment, office, etc.; neighboring.

   2. in a position of proximity; near to.

      They are next door to poverty.

3. get next to (someone), to get into the favor or good graces of; become a good friend of.

next British  

/ nɛkst /

adjective

1. immediately following

   the next patient to be examined

   do it next week

2. immediately adjoining

   the next room

3. closest to in degree

   the tallest boy next to James

   the next-best thing

4. the one after the next

---

adverb

1. at a time or on an occasion immediately to follow

   the patient to be examined next

   next, he started to unscrew the telephone receiver

2. 1. adjacent to; at or on one side of

      the house next to ours

   2. following in degree

      next to your mother, who do you love most?

   3. almost

      next to impossible

preposition

1. archaic next to

next More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing next

• cleanliness is next to godliness

---

Etymology

Origin of next

First recorded before 900; Middle English next(e), Old English nēxt, nēhst, niehst “nighest,” superlative of nēah nigh ( -est ¹ ); cognate with Icelandic nǣstr, German nächst; near

Example Sentences

No one knew what the next day was going to bring, said Sepehr, 58, who declined to give his last name.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier, Harry Styles had opened the night with a performance of his new single "Aperture", ahead of the much-anticipated release of his new album next Friday.

From Barron's

As the country heads to the polls next week, it appears politicians have taken note of their anger - promising a raft of changes to appease it.

From BBC

With fifth-placed Chelsea due to play Arsenal and Aston Villa in their next two games, this is looking like a chance for United to cement their position in the Champions League places.

From BBC

The first direct blow between the sides will be struck next month in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

From BBC

Related Words

• afterward
• later