adj

oncoming

Oncoming (adj) means approaching or coming closer, especially traffic moving toward you. Example: “He swerved to avoid the oncoming car.”

adj

Approaching or coming closer, especially traffic moving toward you.

"He swerved to avoid the oncoming car."

noun

The approach or onset of something.

"The oncoming of winter meant shorter days."

How to use oncoming

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishComing toward you, especially used for traffic.

Common pairings

oncoming traffic oncoming car

Word forms

oncomings plural

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He swerved to avoid the _____ car.

Etymology

From Middle English "on comynge," a combination of "on" and "coming."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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onset

Related words

attack beginning starting assault emergence onset advent onslaught

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.

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attack beginning starting assault emergence onset advent onslaught