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

The beloved councilwomen, who served in the ‘80s and ‘90s, said city leaders used to be close friends who did their homework and debated in good faith. —Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025

Most institutional investors hire proxy advisors to do their homework for them, although some larger investors also have in-house teams. —Sarah Keohane Williamson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

That funding comes through the Library Services and Technology Act, a federal program run by the IMLS that provides local services like homework help, family literacy classes, summer reading programs and job application help, according to the American Library Association. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025

On a recent weekday evening, Ashly Richards helped her 13-year-old son, Case, with homework. —Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025

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