/nekst/ , adj.
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.
4. next door to ,
a. in an adjacent house, apartment, office, etc.; neighboring.
b. in a position of proximity; near to: They are next door to poverty.
5. next to ,
a. adjacent to: He sat next to his sister.
b. almost; nearly: next to impossible.
c. aside from: Next to cake, ice cream is my favorite dessert.
adv.
6. in the place, time, importance, etc., nearest or immediately following: We're going to London next. This is my next oldest daughter.
7. on the first occasion to follow: when next we meet.
8. get next to (someone) , Informal. to get into the favor or good graces of; become a good friend of.
prep.
9. adjacent to; nearest: It's in the closet next the blackboard.
[ bef. 900; ME next ( e ), OE next, nehst, niehst, superl. of neah NIGH (see -EST 1 ); c. Icel naestr, G nächst; cf. NEAR ]