next adjective superlative of Nigh. [AS. nēhst, niéhst, nȳhst, superl. of neáh nigh. See Nigh.]

1. Nearest in place; having no similar object intervening. Chaucer.

Her princely guest
Was next her side; in order sat the rest. Dryden.

Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way. Bunyan.

2. Nearest in time; as, the next day or hour.

3. Adjoining in a series; immediately preceding or following in order.

None could tell whose turn should be the next. Gay.

4. Nearest in degree, quality, rank, right, or relation; as, the next heir was an infant.

The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. Ruth ii. 20.

☞ Next is usually followed by to before an object, but to is sometimes omitted. In such cases next in considered by many grammarians as a preposition. Next friend (Law)

one who represents an infant, a married woman, or any person who can not appear sui juris, in a suit at law.

Next adverb In the time, place, or order nearest or immediately succeeding; as, this man follows next.