Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

span-a-generation

phrase

/spæn ə dʒɛnəˈreɪʃən/

Definition

A period of time that encompasses the average age of an individual when they become an adult, typically referring to the time it takes for one generation to come of age and the next to begin.

Examples

The changes in technology over the last 20 years have truly spanned a generation.
His views on education span a generation, reflecting both past traditions and modern innovations.
Food trends can span a generation, with some staples remaining popular while new ones emerge.

Meaning

The phrase captures the idea of a time frame that bridges two generations, highlighting the similarities or differences in experiences, values, or cultural shifts over that period.