Meaning & Definition of word "Oncoming"

Oncoming

/ˈɒnˌkʌmɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 1. Approaching or imminent; moving toward a specific point.
    • Example: The oncoming traffic forced us to wait before we could safely cross the street.
  • 2. Coming toward or approaching.
    • Example: She could see the oncoming storm clouds in the distance.
  • 3. Indicating a future event or situation that is about to happen.
    • Example: 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 of oncoming

Meaning: The inevitable.

Example Sentence: With finals next week, the oncoming stress is something I can't avoid.

Meaning: Something unavoidable.

Example Sentence: You can feel the oncoming doom when you see that deadline approaching.