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

Gaga and Doechii, a match made in fashion heaven, and two style students who clearly did their homework for this assignment. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026

From local to state to federal offices, experts say doing a little homework ahead of time could save you confusion in the voting booth. —Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Bisciotti did his homework and became enamored with Randall. —Sam Warren, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

How do teachers carry on teaching, lecturing, checking homework and having students prepare for assessments, and how do students enjoy the pleasures that extracurricular activities bring? —Jerald McNair, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 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