# oncoming

/ˈɔnˌkəmɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈɒnkʌmɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oncoming
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

moving toward you or coming closer from the opposite direction.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively, appearing immediately before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.