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.
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
The Tesla’s cameras can see jaywalkers before I do, oncoming headlights don’t blind it, and the car reacts faster than I can.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 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
A series of loud beeps interrupted his thoughts, announcing an oncoming train, along with the flashing electronic destination sign announcing OAKLAND—SAN FRANCISCO.
From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
