upcoming
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does upcoming mean? Upcoming is used to describe something that is scheduled or expected to happen or to be presented or released in the near future. A close synonym is forthcoming. Upcoming is most often used to describe events that will happen soon, like a wedding or an election, or things that will be released soon, such as an album, movie, or new product. The term typically implies that the event will happen or the thing will arrive relatively soon, such as within a few weeks or months or within a year or so. The farther away something is, the less likely you’d be to describe it as upcoming. You also probably wouldn’t use the word for something happening tomorrow. Upcoming should not be confused with the similar-sounding term up-and-coming, which means successful and likely to become more successful. Example: There is a lot of buzz around the up-and-coming band’s upcoming album that will be released in the spring.
Etymology
Origin of upcoming
Explanation
Upcoming means happening soon. If you've always wanted a surprise party, you might drop hints to your friends about your upcoming birthday. The adjective upcoming was first used in the 19th century to mean "rising," but its meaning changed to "forthcoming" or "imminent" by the mid-20th century. If you'll vote next month, you might talk about the upcoming election, and your little sister might be excited about your upcoming family trip to Disney World. Whenever you find yourself thinking of an event that's coming up, it's upcoming!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fresh claims have emerged in the upcoming book from Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, as he described the then-Prince Charles "giddily elated" in a phone call after the death of the Princess of Wales.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
The upcoming events promise glimpses into a few of Tesla’s most ambitious products.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026
Sterling was higher against the dollar, and Commerzbank said the pound could be vulnerable to falls, if the BOE refrains from raising interest rates Thursday, and at upcoming meetings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
Ultimately, the current and upcoming projects that were set in motion to address seismic safety are anticipated to cost more than $2 billion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
“Yup. And I already forwarded you two the image my friend Alan took of Stephanie for the Gazette’s upcoming issue.”
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
