homework

[hohm-wurk]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR homework ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

paid work done at home, as piecework.

thorough preparatory study of a subject: to do one's homework for the next committee meeting.

Origin of homework

First recorded in 1675–85; home + work

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for homework

practice, task, study, instruction, reading, teaching, test, lecture, education, class, exercise, homework, duty, chore, appointment, job, drill, position, post, stint

Examples from the Web for homework

Contemporary Examples of homework

“I can help my children with their homework and sometimes we text in English at my job,” Santos says.
She Gives the Gift of Language
Bobby Blanchard
October 20, 2014
Scheunemann, meanwhile, had no idea who Spencer was, and did some homework.
A Racist’s Crazy Ski Resort Smackdown
James Kirchick
October 18, 2014
And we encourage parent-student “contracts,” for class attendance, homework submission and even extra-curriculum activities.
Why Middle School Should Be Abolished
David C. Banks
July 12, 2014
Adicéam did his homework, spending 50 days collecting pieces, many with unexpected stories behind them.
Pharrell’s ‘GIRLS’ Exhibit Stars...Pharrell?
Liza Foreman
May 29, 2014
Louie picks up his daughters from school, cooks them dinner, helps with their homework, and puts them to bed.
Why Is Louis C.K. So Funny? He Uses Humor as a Moral Compass.
Andrew Romano
May 2, 2014

Historical Examples of homework

Whenever Philip did his homework, he had to hold the paper down.
FreeChildrenStories.com Collection
Daniel Errico
"I suppose you have your homework all done," he snarled at Cathy.
Jerry's Charge Account
Hazel Hutchins Wilson
On the one hand, homework for the sake of homework may be eliminated.
The New Education
Scott Nearing
And this was only a little of the homework with which her hands were ever full.
Catherine Booth
Mildred Duff
A pile of books on the table indicated that he had just finished his homework.
Wait for Weight
Jack McKenty

British Dictionary definitions for homework

homework

noun

school work done out of lessons, esp at home

any preparatory study

work done at home for pay

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for homework

1680s, "work done at home," as opposed to work done in the shop or factory, from home (n.) + work (n.). In sense of "lessons studied at home," it is attested from 1889.

Idioms and Phrases with homework

homework

see do one's homework.