homework

noun

home·​work ˈhōm-ˌwərk How to pronounce homework (audio)
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 following seasons proved that opposing quarterbacks had started doing their homework by not throwing his way, which impacted his interception stats. Cameron Belcher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 Bring a Plan for Work Coverage or Adjustments Do your homework before meeting with your employer, said Laurie Feingold, MSW, LCSW, an oncology social worker with the nonprofit patient support organization CancerCare. Jamie Ducharme, Health, 17 Oct. 2025 Another option is to repurpose the desk for crafting, homework or other activities. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 Newsom, who has four children under 18, said California has a responsibility to protect kids and teens who are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for everything from homework help to emotional support and personal advice. Trân Nguyễn, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Homework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homework. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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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