homework

American  

[hohm-wurk] / ˈhoʊmˌwɜrk /

noun

1. schoolwork assigned to be done outside the classroom (distinguished from classwork ).

2. a single assignment of such schoolwork: Homeworks are due at the beginning of class.

3. paid work done at home, as piecework.

4. thorough preparatory study of a subject.

   to do one's homework for the next committee meeting.

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homework British  

/ ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk /

noun

1. school work done out of lessons, esp at home

2. any preparatory study

3. work done at home for pay

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homework Idioms  

1. see do one's homework.

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Etymology

Origin of homework

First recorded in 1675–85; home + work

Explanation

Any assignment you're expected to complete after school and bring back to class the next day is called homework. Many students make up excuses for not having their homework done. The "My dog ate my homework" excuse doesn't work so well in the digital age. High school students typically have a lot of homework most days, and often that's true for younger students as well. In college, an increasing amount of school work is done outside of class, as homework (even if you do it in the library, a cafe, or a dorm). Homework originally referred to any work done at home, including cooking and cleaning. The first example of the "school work" meaning dates from the late 1880s.

Example Sentences

HOMEWORK: House Bill 982 by Scott would mandate weekly homework assignments that include spelling and vocabulary lessons.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2016

Related Words

• arrangement
• construction
• education
• establishment
• formation
• groundwork
• measure
• plan
• precaution
• preparedness
• qualification
• rehearsal
• study
• training