Word
homework
Phoneticshome·work, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhoʊmˌwɝk/
UK/hˈəʊmwɜːk/
Definitions
01school assignments
A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun General-service
n. work that a teacher gives a student to do at home after school.
n. academic exercises assigned by an instructor to be completed outside of scheduled class time.
日本語:宿題※
“I can't go to the park because I have to finish my math homework.”
“The teacher assigned three chapters of reading as homework to ensure the students were prepared for Wednesday's seminar.”
Usage
Always uncountable; takes a singular verb and is used with the verb 'do' rather than 'make'.
Pitfall
I have many homeworks to do tonight.
I have a lot of homework to do tonight.
Homework is uncountable; do not add an 's'. Use 'pieces of homework' or 'assignments' if you need to count them.
Synonyms
02preparation or research
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal
n. the research or preparation you do before you start a project or go to a meeting.
n. preparatory research or investigation conducted to gain a thorough understanding of a subject before a specific event or decision.
“He did his homework before the interview and knew everything about the company.”
“The investors had clearly done their homework, asking pointed questions about the startup's projected revenue and market competitors.”
Teaching tip
This is a common metaphorical use in business and journalism; it implies diligence and thoroughness.
Synonyms
03sexual activity
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Slang · Humorous
n. a funny or secret way to talk about having sex.
n. a euphemistic reference to sexual intercourse.
“They stayed in all weekend to do some 'homework' together.”
“The lyrics use 'homework' as a thinly veiled metaphor for the couple's private activities.”
Teaching tip
Learners should be aware of this double meaning to avoid accidental humor in inappropriate contexts.
Etymology
From home + work.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/homework
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0