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homework noun

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What does the noun homework mean?

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun homework . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun homework ?

How is the noun homework pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun homework come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun homework is in the mid 1600s.

OED's earliest evidence for homework is from 1653, in the writing of Edmund Chillenden, parliamentarian army officer and General Baptist leader.

homework is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: home n. 1 , work n.

Nearby entries

• homeward-bounder, n. 1837–
• homeward-bound pennant, n. 1853–
• homewardly, adv. 1797–
• homewards, adv. & adj. Old English–
• homeware, n. 1782–
• home waters, n. 1838–
• home wear, n. 1836–
• home-whining, n. a1657
• home wind, n. 1732–
• home-woe, n. 1838–
• homework, n. 1653–
• homework club, n. 1900–
• homework diary, n. 1973–
• homeworker, n. 1843–
• homeworking, n. 1844–
• home-working, adj. 1850–
• home worship, n. 1849–
• homewort, n. Old English–
• home-wreck, n. 1845–
• home-wrecker, n. 1878–
• home-wrecking, n. 1878–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for homework, n..

homework, n. was revised in September 2011.

homework, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into homework, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

A Supplement to the New English Dictionary (1933)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View homework in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for homework, n., browse entry.

7 Types of Homework for Students

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

There are seven types of homework. These are practice, preparation, extension, integration, research, application, and flipped homework.

Each type of homework has its own role for students learning. The important task for teachers is to select homework that will best provide holistic support to a student.

This doesn’t mean just supporting students for the upcoming exams but also ensuring students are not overwhelmed by homework and that they can still live a balanced life outside of school.

Types of Homework

1. practice.

Practice is the most common task students have when they are given homework. It entails attempting to reinforce information learned in school so that students will commit it to long-term memory.

An example of practice homework is math workbooks. Usually, a teacher will complete the math task in class so students know how to do it, then give them a workbook of 20 – 50 tasks to complete overnight to reinforce the task.

The benefit of practice homework is that it can certainly help students commit what they learned in class to memory. This is especially the case if teachers used spaced repetition. This is a strategy whereby the teacher re-introduces things learned in previous weeks and months during homework revision so the information is not lost over time.

The downside of practice homework is that the child is learning on their own during this period. This means that, if the child hasn’t sufficiently learned the content in class, they don’t have anyone to help them during homework time. This can lead to a great deal of frustration and despair for students staring at a piece of paper feeling lost and confused.

Related: Homework Statistics

2. Preparation

Preparation homework is given to students before a lesson so they have the important information at hand before class.

Commonly, this occurs when teachers provide reading materials for students to look over between class. They then come to class having read the materials so they are ready to discuss and debate the topics.

It’s also commonly used in language learning, where it’s called pre-teaching of vocabulary. The teacher provides vocabulary to learn before class so the students can come to class and practice it together.

The benefit of preparation homework is that it bunches a lot of the didactic (non-interactive) parts of learning into the pre-class time so students can spend most of their time in class interacting with the teacher and peers.

The downside of preparation homework is that it rarely works as expected. Teachers often spend the first 10 to 15 minutes of class re-teaching what was supposed to be done for homework either because students found it too hard or they didn’t do the tasks.

3. Extension

Extension homework involves providing students with tasks that are based upon what was learned in class, but goes over and above those tasks.

It is the equivalent of teaching a student to swim then letting them out into the ocean. The students have to apply their knowledge in a new context without the support or ‘ scaffolding ’ of a teacher hovering over their shoulders.

The benefit of extension homework is it can give students a lot of confidence. They can go home and feel as if they’re excelling at their work when they find that they’re doing it without the support of a teacher.

The downside of extension homework is that it can be risky: by definition, students are extending themselves beyond what was learned in class, meaning they will come across new information and new contexts where they might need help that’s not available at the time.

Related: Homework Pros and Cons

4. Integration

Integration homework requires students to bring together, or ‘integrate’, knowledge from various subjects and knowledge areas into one project.

The homework may involve the integration of history lessons with writing lessons to create a book report, or the integration of math with business studies to create a business plan.

Integration is great for students to draw connections between things they have learned in various different classes at school. However, it also involves a lot of complexity that may make students feel confused or overwhelmed.

5. Research

Research homework involves using your time after school and on weekends to gather data that will be discussed in class.

Often, this can involve interviewing family members, taking photos around your community, or looking up information on the internet.

The benefit of research homework is that students often come to class with exciting things to share. They will also come with questions to help stimulate conversation in class.

However, it’s important for teachers to be aware that not all students have access to high-speed internet and other resources to conduct research. In fact, in my homework statistics article, I discussed how a staggering 24% of low-income American teens regularly fail to complete homework due to lack of access to technology.

6. Application

Application homework involves taking knowledge learned in class and applying it to real-world settings.

This is common in immersive language learning settings, for example, when teachers ask students to go out into the streets and practice new vocabulary when ordering a drink or buying food.

The benefit of application homework is that it gives real-world context to what was learned in class. By applying your knowledge, you can more effectively commit it to memory than simply rote learning it at your kitchen table.

Application in a real-world setting provides a context and a story that you can easily pull from your memory in the future, helping you to retain information long-term.

7. Flipped Homework

The flipped learning movement is a movement that involves making students learn at home on their own then come to class to practice it.

For teachers, this means thinking about school as the space for ‘traditional’ homework and home as the space for instruction.

This is increasingly popular with technology and hybrid learning environments. For example, a teacher might assign a YouTube video to watch as homework before class. Then, the class involves dissecting the video and critiquing it.

The benefit of flipped learning is that it maximizes time for constructivist and hands-on active learning in the classroom. The downside is students can get confused during preparation, they may not complete the preparation work, or technology may fail on them.

What are the Functions of Homework?

Homework serves multiple purposes. These include:

• Getting Ahead: Many schools and parents give their children homework (including private tutoring help so their children can have an advantage in life over other children.
• Keeping Up: On a societal level, many governments encourage homework so that students can keep up with other societies in the ‘education race’ of the 21st Century. Some societies, like South Korea, heavily emphasize homework, and others feel they need to keep up.
• Catching Up: Many students are assigned homework to catch up with the rest of their class. If you find a topic very difficult, you may find you need to spend a lot more time on your own working through the information than your peers.
• Retention: Homework helps you to repeat and retain information. With extra practice, you can commit information to memory.
• Excitement: Some well-made homework can get students excited to come to class to discuss what they did.
• Application: Situation-based learning, where you’re applying what you learned in class to real-world situations, can help progress students’ knowledge in ways that you can’t in school.
• Home-School Relationships: Homework also serves the purpose of ensuring parents know what’s going on in school. Many parents like to see what children are learning so they can monitor their children’s progress and keep teachers accountable.

Homework comes in all shapes and sizes. While many teachers stick to the old fashioned repetition homework mode, I’d encourage you to try out a range of other types of homework that can keep students engaged, encourage more discussion and collaboration in class, and ensure that the difficult work where students need the teacher’s help takes place in the classroom. This will provide maximum support for your students, help propel them forward, and prevent arguments for why homework should be banned .

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 19 Top Cognitive Psychology Theories (Explained)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 119 Bloom’s Taxonomy Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ All 6 Levels of Understanding (on Bloom’s Taxonomy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)

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How To Use “Homework” In A Sentence: Efficient Application

Homework is an essential component of academic life, serving as a tool for reinforcing concepts learned in the classroom and fostering independent thinking. But how can we effectively incorporate the word “homework” into our sentences? Let’s explore some clever and insightful ways to utilize this term in various contexts.

In order to employ the term “homework” correctly, it is crucial to understand its proper usage. When referring to school assignments that students are expected to complete outside of class, “homework” should be used as a singular noun. For instance:

“The teacher assigned a challenging homework assignment that required critical thinking skills.”

However, it is important to note that “homework” can also be used as a noncount noun, indicating the general concept of schoolwork assigned to be done at home. In this case, it is not necessary to add an “s” to the end of the word. For example:

“She spends hours every evening doing homework.”

Now that we have established the correct usage of “homework,” let’s delve into some creative ways to incorporate this term into our sentences, adding depth and clarity to our communication.

Definition Of Homework

Homework, in its simplest form, refers to tasks assigned to students by their teachers that are meant to be completed outside of regular class hours. These tasks typically involve independent study, practice, or research related to the subjects being taught in school. The purpose of homework is to reinforce and extend the learning that takes place in the classroom, allowing students to apply and solidify their knowledge and skills.

In terms of its historical evolution, the concept of homework can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, for example, students were assigned tasks to be completed at home, which included memorizing poetry and practicing musical instruments. Similarly, in ancient Rome, students were expected to complete writing exercises and engage in independent reading outside of school.

Over the centuries, the nature and scope of homework have evolved in response to changes in educational philosophies and practices. In the 19th century, with the rise of compulsory education, homework became more standardized and widespread. It was seen as a way to instill discipline, develop study habits, and prepare students for the demands of higher education and the workforce.

Today, the meaning of homework can vary depending on the context. In the traditional sense, homework refers to assignments given by teachers to students in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. However, the term “homework” can also be used more broadly to encompass any tasks or responsibilities that need to be completed outside of one’s regular work or study hours. For example, professionals may refer to tasks they need to complete at home as “homework,” such as reading industry-related articles or preparing presentations.

How To Properly Use Homework In A Sentence

When it comes to using the word “homework” in a sentence, there are a few grammatical rules to keep in mind in order to ensure clarity and accuracy. Understanding these rules will help you effectively convey your message while maintaining proper syntax and usage.

Grammatical Rules Surrounding Homework

1. Homework is a noun:

As a noun, “homework” refers to the tasks or assignments given to students by their teachers to be completed outside of regular class time. It represents the work that needs to be done as part of the learning process.

Example sentences:

• I have a lot of homework to do tonight.
• She always completes her homework on time.
• The teacher assigned a challenging homework assignment.

2. Homework can be used as an uncountable noun:

When used as an uncountable noun, “homework” is treated as a singular concept without a specific quantity. It represents the general idea of assigned tasks or assignments.

• Homework is an essential part of the learning process.
• Too much homework can lead to stress and burnout.
• He spends hours every day doing homework.

3. Homework can also be used as a verb:

Although less common, “homework” can also function as a verb. When used this way, it means to study or prepare for something, typically in a thorough or diligent manner.

• I need to homework for my upcoming exam.
• She spends hours homeworkeing for her dance performance.
• He homeworkeed extensively before presenting his research.

4. Homework can be used as a compound word:

In some cases, “homework” can be combined with other words to form compound nouns or adjectives that describe specific types of assignments or tasks.

• The math homework was challenging.
• She received a group homework assignment.
• He completed the homework project with great enthusiasm.

Remember, using “homework” correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun or verb and considering its context within the sentence. By following these rules, you can effectively communicate your ideas and thoughts while maintaining proper language usage.

Examples Of Using Homework In A Sentence

When it comes to incorporating the word “homework” into a sentence, it is important to showcase its versatility and various contexts. By employing a combination of simple and complex sentences, we can effectively demonstrate the different nuances and meanings associated with this term. Below, you will find a collection of five sentences that exemplify the usage of “homework” in various contexts:

1. Academic Context:

In an academic setting, “homework” refers to the tasks assigned by teachers to students outside of regular class hours. For instance:

• The physics teacher assigned a complex set of problems for homework.
• Completing my math homework before tomorrow’s class is crucial.
• She spends hours every evening diligently working on her homework assignments.

2. Household Chores Context:

Outside of the educational realm, “homework” can also pertain to tasks or responsibilities assigned within a household. Consider these examples:

• My mom asked me to do the laundry as part of my homework for the day.
• Helping with the dishes is one of my regular homework duties at home.

3. Research Or Study Context:

When referring to research or studying, “homework” can denote the preparatory work required before engaging in a specific activity. Observe the following sentences:

• Before attending the conference, I need to do my homework and read up on the keynote speaker.
• The journalist spent hours conducting interviews and gathering information as part of his homework for the article.

4. Business Or Professional Context:

In a professional setting, “homework” can signify the preliminary research or analysis needed before making informed decisions or proposals. Here are a couple of instances:

• Before the meeting, make sure to do your homework and review the financial reports.
• The consultant meticulously completed her homework to provide comprehensive recommendations to the client.

5. Figurative Context:

Sometimes, “homework” is used metaphorically to imply a task or duty that requires careful attention or preparation. Consider these examples:

• As a politician, it is crucial to do your homework before engaging in a debate.
• The lawyer spent countless hours doing his homework to build a strong case for his client.

These sentences showcase the diverse range of contexts in which the word “homework” can be used. Whether it pertains to academic assignments, household chores, research, professional endeavors, or figurative tasks, “homework” remains a versatile term with multifaceted meanings.

Edge Cases Or Things To Consider

When it comes to using the word “homework” in a sentence, there are a few edge cases and considerations that are worth exploring. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure that you are using the term correctly and effectively.

Common Mistakes People Make When Using Homework

While using the word “homework” may seem straightforward, there are some common mistakes that people often make. These errors can lead to confusion or misinterpretation, so it’s important to be aware of them:

• Using “homework” as a plural noun: One common mistake is treating “homework” as a plural noun, similar to “works” or “assignments.” However, “homework” is an uncountable noun, so it does not have a plural form. Instead, use phrases like “pieces of homework” or “homework assignments” to refer to multiple tasks.
• Confusing “homework” with “housework”: Another common error is mixing up “homework” with “housework.” While they may sound similar, they have entirely different meanings. “Homework” refers to academic tasks assigned to students, whereas “housework” pertains to domestic chores or tasks done around the house.
• Using “homework” as a verb: Some individuals mistakenly use “homework” as a verb, such as saying “I need to homework tonight.” However, “homework” is a noun and cannot be used as a verb. Instead, use phrases like “I need to complete my homework” or “I have homework to do.”

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your usage of “homework” is accurate and clear.

Cultural Or Regional Differences

When it comes to language usage, cultural and regional differences can also play a role in how “homework” is used in a sentence. While the term generally refers to academic tasks assigned to students, there may be variations in its usage based on cultural or regional contexts:

In some cultures, the concept of homework may differ. For example, in certain educational systems, the emphasis on homework may be less pronounced, or the term itself may not be commonly used. It’s essential to be mindful of these cultural differences when communicating about homework, particularly in international or multicultural settings.

Additionally, regional variations in vocabulary or terminology may influence how “homework” is referred to. For instance, in some regions, “homework” may be called “schoolwork” or “assignments.” Understanding these regional differences can help ensure effective communication and avoid confusion.

Overall, being aware of cultural or regional variations and avoiding common mistakes will enable you to use the term “homework” accurately and appropriately in your sentences.

Synonyms Or Alternates To Use

In order to diversify your writing and avoid repetition, it is helpful to have a range of synonyms or alternate words to use instead of the term “homework.” Here are four options to consider:

1. Assignments

The term “assignments” is a versatile alternative to “homework.” While it encompasses the same concept, it can be used in a broader context, including both school and professional settings. Assignments can refer to tasks given by teachers, professors, or employers, and can include various types of work such as research, projects, or written exercises.

Usage example: “The students were given a set of assignments to complete over the weekend.”

Preferred in contexts where the focus is on a range of tasks or projects rather than solely on traditional homework.

Similar to “assignments,” the term “tasks” can also be used as an alternate word for homework. However, “tasks” generally implies a more specific and tangible set of activities to be completed. It can be particularly useful when referring to practical or hands-on exercises, such as science experiments or art projects.

Usage example: “The students were assigned a series of tasks to demonstrate their understanding of the topic.”

Preferred in contexts where the emphasis is on practical application or project-based learning.

3. Exercises

“Exercises” is another synonym for homework that highlights the active and practice-oriented nature of the work. It implies a focus on repetitive or skill-building tasks designed to reinforce learning. This term is commonly used in educational settings, especially for subjects that involve problem-solving or language acquisition.

Usage example: “The language teacher provided a set of exercises to improve the students’ grammar skills.”

Preferred in contexts where the primary goal is to reinforce learning through practice or repetition.

4. Study Tasks

“Study tasks” is a phrase that can be used interchangeably with “homework” to emphasize the need for independent study and self-directed learning. This term is often employed when referring to academic work that requires students to review and consolidate their understanding of a particular subject.

Usage example: “The professor assigned a variety of study tasks to prepare the students for the upcoming exam.”

Preferred in contexts where the focus is on independent learning and self-study.

By incorporating these synonyms or alternate words into your writing, you can add variety and depth to your descriptions of homework, tailoring your language to suit different contexts and nuances of meaning.

Related Phrases Or Idioms

When it comes to incorporating homework into everyday conversations, there are several related phrases and idioms that can add depth and color to your language. These expressions not only showcase your linguistic prowess but also provide a subtle way to engage in discussions about the importance of homework. Let’s explore a few of these phrases and idioms, along with their meanings and example sentences:

1. Burning The Midnight Oil

Meaning: This phrase is used to describe working late into the night, often to complete a task or meet a deadline.

Example sentence: “After a long day at work, I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my homework assignment.”

2. Hit The Books

Meaning: This idiom refers to studying or engaging in academic activities, particularly reading books or studying for exams.

Example sentence: “I have a big test tomorrow, so I need to hit the books and review my notes.”

3. Learn Something By Heart

Meaning: This phrase implies memorizing something thoroughly, to the point of being able to recite it without hesitation.

Example sentence: “In order to ace the presentation, I had to learn my script by heart.”

4. Pass With Flying Colors

Meaning: This idiom signifies achieving great success or performing exceptionally well in a task or examination.

Example sentence: “Thanks to consistent studying, I managed to pass my math test with flying colors.”

5. Put Your Nose To The Grindstone

Meaning: This phrase suggests working diligently and persistently, often with a focus on academic or professional tasks.

Example sentence: “If you want to excel in your studies, you need to put your nose to the grindstone and dedicate yourself to your homework.”

6. Stay Ahead Of The Curve

Meaning: This idiom conveys the idea of being well-prepared and staying ahead in terms of knowledge or skills.

Example sentence: “By consistently completing my homework, I can stay ahead of the curve and grasp complex topics more easily.”

These phrases and idioms not only add flair to your conversations but also serve as a reminder of the value of homework. By incorporating these expressions into your daily language, you can subtly emphasize the importance of diligent study and the benefits it brings.

After exploring the various aspects of using homework in a sentence, it becomes evident that this practice holds significant importance in language learning and development. By incorporating homework into your daily routine, you can enhance your understanding of grammar rules, expand your vocabulary, and improve your overall language proficiency.

Homework serves as a valuable tool for reinforcing the concepts learned in the classroom and allows you to apply them in a practical context. It provides an opportunity for self-assessment, enabling you to identify areas of weakness and focus on improving them. Additionally, regularly practicing with homework helps to solidify your knowledge and retention of the language.

It is crucial to approach homework with dedication and discipline, treating it as an integral part of your language learning journey. By allocating sufficient time and effort to complete your assignments, you can reap the maximum benefits from this practice. Remember that consistency is key, as regular engagement with homework will yield better results in the long run.

As you strive to master a language, don’t hesitate to experiment and explore different ways of using homework effectively. Challenge yourself to create sentences that showcase your understanding of grammar rules, idiomatic expressions, and vocabulary. Push your boundaries and aim for complexity, as this will help you expand your linguistic capabilities.

Ultimately, the more you practice using homework in a sentence, the more confident and proficient you will become in your language skills. Embrace this valuable resource, and let it guide you towards achieving fluency and mastery in the language of your choice.

Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.

How to Use homework in a Sentence

• She started her algebra homework .

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homework.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Homework” in a Sentence (with Audio)

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homework (n): work that teachers give their students to do at home

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