Next, a., superl. of Nigh.
Etymology: [AS. n, niéhst, n, 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.
1 more senses
Note: 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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Next, adv.
In the time, place, or order nearest or immediately suceeding; as, this man follows next.