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 Red Sox will surely do their homework before making any commitment to Bregman. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 The six-week course, according to a syllabus, blends positive thinking with business and money strategies, offering advice on how to outwork the competition, manage ego, overcome failure and set goals — with homework assignments included. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 Eliminating screens entirely is not realistic for the average family with working parents and kids who do homework on laptops. Jean M. Twenge, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 The troubadour had done his homework. John U. Bacon, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 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 7 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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