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.
There's a computer area for young people to use after school, a dedicated homework spot, tutors, mentors and job readiness training. — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Eldercare calls collide with a sick-child pickup, dinner, laundry, bills, homework, and the quiet work of getting everyone ready to do it again tomorrow. — Frank Diana, Time, 30 July 2026 Others come from homes where parents work multiple jobs, have limited formal education, or lack the resources to supervise homework consistently. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Meals were migrating to kitchen islands and oversized tables that shifted from dinner to homework, Zoom meetings, art projects, or late-night conversations. — Chinmaya Misra, Architectural Digest, 29 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Homework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homework. Accessed 5 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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