homework

noun

home·​work ˈhōm-ˌwərk How to pronounce homework (audio)
Synonyms of homeworknext
1
: piecework done at home for pay
2
: an assignment given to a student to be completed outside the regular class period
3
: preparatory reading or research (as for a discussion or a debate)

Examples of homework in a Sentence

She started her algebra homework.
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.
The telecommunications executive added that one of the principles in his company’s cultural documents is to not show up to meetings without having done your homework. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026 But every team with a potential coaching opening will likely do its homework on Tomlin. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, homework piled up, eating into what remained of kids’ autonomy after school. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 Back to school means lots of things—back to routine, back to homework, and, for the parents out there, back to packing lunches. — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for homework

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homework was in 1662

Rhymes for homework

See All Rhymes for homework

Browse Nearby Words

Homewood
homework
homeworker
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Cite this Entry

“Homework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homework. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

homework

noun
home·​work ˈhōm-ˌwərk How to pronounce homework (audio)
: work and especially school lessons to be done outside the regular class period

More from Merriam-Webster on homework

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for homework

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about homework

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