adj
oncoming
Oncoming (adj) means approaching or coming closer, especially traffic moving toward you. Example: “He swerved to avoid the oncoming car.”
adj
1
Approaching or coming closer, especially traffic moving toward you.
"A healthier, stronger individual can deal with it better and is less frightened by oncoming death when it is still "miles away" than when it "is right in front of the door," as one of our patients put it so appropriately."
— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, On Death and Dying (1969)
"Look carefully before pulling out into oncoming traffic."
"He swerved to avoid the oncoming car."
"Because it had not taken place immediately, the oncoming fight would lack spontaneity; it would be calculated, uninspired, and deadly."
— Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye (1970)
noun
1
The approach or onset of something.
"The oncoming of winter meant shorter days."
How to use oncoming
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComing toward you, especially used for traffic.
Common pairings
oncoming traffic
oncoming car
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like oncoming.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- oncomings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He swerved to avoid the _____ car.
Etymology
From Middle English "on comynge," a combination of "on" and "coming."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for oncoming
coming
homing
Wyoming
zooming
booming
blooming
grooming
upcoming
becoming
incoming
welcoming
unbecoming
See all rhymes for oncoming →
Frequently asked questions
What does “oncoming” mean?
The word “oncoming” means approaching or coming closer, especially traffic moving toward you. In plain terms, coming toward you, especially used for traffic.
How do you use “oncoming” in a sentence?
Here is “oncoming” used in a sentence: “He swerved to avoid the oncoming car.”
What part of speech is “oncoming”?
Depending on how it is used, “oncoming” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “oncoming” come from?
The word “oncoming” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "on comynge," a combination of "on" and "coming.".
How many meanings does “oncoming” have?
“Oncoming” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: approaching or coming closer, especially traffic moving toward you.
