homework

noun

home·​work ˈhōm-ˌwərk 

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

If your children do homework at the kitchen table instead of their bedrooms, find a spot to keep school supplies handy. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

Kitchens, the heart of every house, are being reimagined as multifunctional hubs for cooking, gathering, entertaining and even work or homework. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, there were dozens of people enjoying the library space in the mall, including families reading to children, book club members adding to their to-be-read lists, residents looking for their next show to watch and students working on their homework. —Stacy Brandt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

With that understanding, many teams have still done their homework. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for homework

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• paperwork
• subnetwork
• artwork

Kids Definition

homework

noun

home·​work ˈhōm-ˌwərk 

: work and especially school lessons to be done outside the regular class period