oncoming
Americanadjective
-
approaching; nearing.
the oncoming train; the oncoming holiday season.
-
emerging.
the oncoming generation of leaders.
noun
adjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of oncoming
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An investigation revealed the Cruze’s driver, Armando Ortiz Mendoza, 26, crossed over the double yellow line into oncoming traffic and caused the crash, according to the release.
From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026
Lee believes the sector is being underestimated by many in terms of how it can cope with the oncoming artificial-intelligence threat.
From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026
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
"I am worried about the glare from oncoming lights," she says.
From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026
Once again they turned at bay, facing the oncoming lines of fire.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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.
