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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.
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

"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
homework Idioms  

  1. see do one's homework.

Etymology

Origin of homework

First recorded in 1675–85; home + work

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.

Do your homework if you’re thinking of naming a minor—say, a grandchild—to receive disclaimed IRA funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“The way that I encounter AI is that I have to dedicate time in my courses now to confirming to my students that they’re they’re not allowed to use AI in homework assignments,” Lincoln said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

For children, items include having a place to do homework, getting three meals a day and having age-suitable toys.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Unlike adults, the younger inmates will always be accompanied by guards, whether to play football, paint or make sure they go to school and do their homework.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

I haven’t finished my science homework, so I log in to the library computer, ignoring him.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

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.