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.
A preliminary investigation found the driver of an Infiniti G35 veered into oncoming traffic on Mount Emma Road in Littlerock, near Palmdale.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
The mostly smooth ride was only interrupted when an oncoming vehicle veered into the wrong lane, forcing the car to stop suddenly.
From Barron's • May 5, 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
The glow of oncoming headlights paints the window bright.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
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.
