sandwich generation

noun

: a generation of people who are caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children

Examples of sandwich generation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pew puts roughly one in four American adults in the sandwich generation, and the millennial share keeps climbing. Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 As members of the sandwich generation, many of these caregivers are already facing overwhelming emotional and financial strain while caring for their children and aging parents. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 The slacker generation of latchkey kids has become the sandwich generation with a full house. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026 Welcome to the sandwich generation. Jed Portman, Midwest Living, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sandwich generation

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandwich generation was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Sandwich generation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandwich%20generation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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