# generics

/dʒəˈnɛɹɪks/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/generics
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a way in programming to write one piece of code that works with many different types of data.

For teachers: a programming language feature allowing classes, interfaces, and methods to operate on parameterized types rather than concrete types. Enables type-safe reusable code without duplication across data types.

## Examples

- Generics let programmers reuse the same code for different types.
- The team uses generics to build a single list class that safely stores both integers and strings.
- By introducing generics into the codebase, the developers eliminated duplicated collection classes while preserving compile-time type checking across modules.

## Usage notes

- Takes plural verb agreement in its programming sense ('generics allow', not 'allows').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.