oncoming

adjective

on·​com·​ing ˈȯn-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce oncoming (audio)
ˈän-
1
a
: coming nearer in time or space
the oncoming year
an oncoming car
b
: future
looked forward to his oncoming visit
2
: emergent, rising
the oncoming generation

Examples of oncoming in a Sentence

we're looking forward to your oncoming visit
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shurin also said the city failed to formally train Biscari to drive a fire apparatus and did not install a system that changes a traffic light to green for an oncoming emergency vehicle. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025 The economist Ed Leamer, who passed away in February, famously published a paper in 2007 that said residential investment is the best leading indicator of an oncoming recession. Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025 The driver of the taxi then lost control of the vehicle and drove into oncoming traffic, where it was hit head-on by the trailer, the outlet said. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025 As the play starts, the Bills look perfectly set up to contain the oncoming Henry run. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oncoming

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oncoming was in 1844

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oncoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oncoming. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

oncoming

adjective
on·​com·​ing ˈȯn-ˌkəm-iŋ How to pronounce oncoming (audio)
ˈän-
: coming nearer
oncoming traffic

More from Merriam-Webster on oncoming

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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