Gen Y

1 of 2

noun

ˈjen-ˈwī 

: generation y

These kids have expensive tastes. Gen Y came of age in an era of unprecedented affluence, and its members were reared by indulgent boomer parents.

—Keith Haughton

—often used before another noun

About 3.5 million Gen Y drivers get their license each year.

—Daren Fonda

—often hyphenated in such use

… blatant product placement turns off Gen-Y viewers who are offended by brand mentions.

—Joanne Ostrow

Gen Yer

ˈjen-ˈwī-ər 

noun

or Gen-Yer

plural Gen Yers or Gen-Yers

Gen Yers have plenty to be exercised about. They're inheriting an economy in which many of the things their parents took for granted are evaporating …

—Michelle Conlin

The debts of today's Gen Yers are bigger ($26,000 in average student loans, up from $10,000 in 1985).

—Ted Rall

-geny

2 of 2

noun combining form

: generation : production

phylogeny

Examples of Gen Y in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, Catalyst research suggests the risk of retreating from inclusion is far greater than the risk of continuing, particularly with Gen Y and Gen Z employees who are more likely to leave organizations that lack a commitment to equity. —Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 1 Mar. 2026

The selection is an indication of Gen Y’s and Gen Z’s interest in buying and donating secondhand clothing. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025

Now, however, the baby boomers sit atop the market, dethroning Gen Y (also called millennials). —Rosalind Bowling, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Apr. 2025

Ethics and values Transparency around sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility resonates strongly with today’s conscious consumers, especially Gen Y and Gen Z, who comprise more than 40% of the U.S. population. —Allbusiness, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

The Tour is the latest league to lean on creators to try and build a relationship with Gen Z and Gen Y consumers that may not be watching events on traditional linear TV. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun combining form

Greek -geneia act of being born, from -genēs born — more at -gen

First Known Use

Noun

1994, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Gen Y

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny