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

Footage of the crash site on other days showed vehicles stopped on the track, with officials raising the red flag to signal to oncoming trains to stop until the traffic cleared, he said.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

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

It is possible that weakened whales are less able to avoid oncoming ships.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Standing near his own tent, Bruce watched the oncoming cloud, holding a bag of marshmallows, popping them in his mouth one at a time, and backing away slowly.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Related Words

• approaching
• onrushing