Oncoming

/ˈɒnˌkʌmɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Approaching or imminent; moving toward a specific point.
The oncoming traffic forced us to wait before we could safely cross the street.
Coming toward or approaching.
She could see the oncoming storm clouds in the distance.
Indicating a future event or situation that is about to happen.
The oncoming elections have sparked a lot of debates among the candidates.

Etymology

From the combination of 'on' + 'coming', indicating movement toward.

Common Phrases and Expressions

oncoming traffic
Vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
oncoming storm
A storm expected to arrive soon.
oncoming danger
A threat that is approaching or imminent.

Related Words

approach
To come near or nearer to in distance or time.
incoming
Arriving; coming in.
advance
To move toward something.

Slang Meanings

The inevitable.
With finals next week, the oncoming stress is something I can't avoid.
Something unavoidable.
You can feel the oncoming doom when you see that deadline approaching.