Word
oncoming
Phoneticson·com·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɔnˌkəmɪŋ/
UK/ˈɒnkʌmɪŋ/
Definition
adj. moving toward you or coming closer from the opposite direction.
adj. approaching from the front or moving toward a specific point of observation.
Examples
“The driver slowed down to avoid the oncoming traffic.”
“She shielded her eyes from the glare of oncoming headlights as the truck rounded the corner.”
“The cyclist signaled clearly before turning to ensure that oncoming motorists had sufficient time to react to the change in lane position.”
Examples
simple
“The driver slowed down to avoid the oncoming traffic.”
contextual
“She shielded her eyes from the glare of oncoming headlights as the truck rounded the corner.”
complex
“The cyclist signaled clearly before turning to ensure that oncoming motorists had sufficient time to react to the change in lane position.”
Usage
Typically used attributively, appearing immediately before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“And on 31 August, he parked his car on the side of a highway near Springfield, walked into oncoming traffic and was killed.” “While Moore and the driver argued over a cleaning fee, Normandin-Parker got out of the car, wandered into oncoming traffic and was struck by a car.” Etymology
From Middle English on comynge, oncomynge, oncoomynge; equivalent to on- + coming (noun).
From on- + coming (adjective).
Equivalent to oncome + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/oncoming