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next1 S1 W1
1 the next event, day, time etc is the one that happens after the present one, or the previous one : 
I just missed my flight to Chicago. When's the next one?We'll look at the proposals at the next meeting. Over the next couple of months, try to relax more and get more exercise.
I just missed my flight to Chicago. When's the next one?We'll look at the proposals at the next meeting.Over the next couple of months, try to relax more and get more exercise. the next day/week etc (=on or during the following day, week etc) She called me and we arranged to meet the next day.
She called me and we arranged to meet the next day.2 the next house, room, place etc is the one that is nearest to where you are now : Turn left at the next corner. We could hear them arguing in the next room. ➔ next to
Turn left at the next corner.We could hear them arguing in the next room.3 the next person or thing in a list, series etc comes after the one that you are dealing with now : Read the next two chapters before Friday.
Read the next two chapters before Friday.4 almost as big, more common etc than the one you are talking about : Cancer-related diseases are the next biggest killers.
next biggest/most common etc
Cancer-related diseases are the next biggest killers.5 the thing or situation that is almost as good as the one you really want : If I can't be home for Christmas, phoning you on the day is the next best thing.
the next best thing
If I can't be home for Christmas, phoning you on the day is the next best thing.6 used when something surprising happens very suddenly : The next thing I knew, I was lying face down on the pavement.
the next thing I/she etc knew
informalThe next thing I knew, I was lying face down on the pavement.
