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

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

Tévoédjrè stood beside an armored vehicle on the perpendicular street, positioned between the oncoming column and Talon’s residence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Consider this: A survey asking consumers what they expect the economy to look like six months from now has been below the threshold that signals an oncoming recession for the 11th month in a row.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

Any human driver would have nudged forward, checked for oncoming cars and slipped past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

The driver only took his foot off the throttle and applied the brakes at the point he collided with the oncoming Citroen C3, the data revealed.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

The oncoming engine hit the trestle, whistle screaming WHOO-WHOO-WHOO.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• approaching
• onrushing