oncoming

American  

[on-kuhm-ing, awn-] / ˈɒnˌkʌm ɪŋ, ˈɔn- /

adjective

1. approaching; nearing.

   the oncoming train; the oncoming holiday season.

2. emerging.

   the oncoming generation of leaders.

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noun

1. approach; onset.

   the oncoming of winter.

oncoming British  

/ ˈɒnˌkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. coming nearer in space or time; approaching

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noun

1. the approach or onset

   the oncoming of winter

Etymology

Origin of oncoming

1835–45; on + coming, after verb phrase come on

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Explanation

If you're standing on the tracks and a train is heading right for you, it's oncoming. Quick, jump out of the way! You'll almost always find the adjective oncoming describing a vehicle or other large object that's moving fast in your direction, whether it's an oncoming car, oncoming traffic, or an oncoming skateboarder who doesn't see you standing there. Much less often, oncoming means "imminent" or "upcoming:" "The oncoming summer holidays were something to look forward to."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oncoming

Running away from oncoming rushers, Guess threw the ball back against his body — something most coaches advise against — and found heavily recruited senior wideout Gavin Honore at the one-yard line.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026

The couple's car collided with an oncoming truck while overtaking another vehicle on Monday afternoon, said Nicolas Leclainche, the deputy public prosecutor in Niort in the Deux-Sevres department.

From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026

However, his time at Radcliffe included a tragic incident when a car he was driving collided with an oncoming cattle truck in Staffordshire.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

The footage shows the oncoming bus is forced to swerve into the adjacent lane to avoid hitting the woman.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

When Hazel woke up on Monday morning, dread slammed into her like a oncoming truck.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

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Related Words

• approaching
• onrushing

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