What does homework mean?
Homework is schoolwork that a student is expected to complete outside ordinary class time, usually at home. It may consist of reading, writing, exercises, research, or practice related to subjects being studied. The word can also refer more broadly to preparatory work undertaken before an examination, interview, event, or other activity. In everyday conversation, “doing homework” is a familiar expression among schoolchildren and their families, while “homework” in the broader sense often suggests careful preparation rather than a formal assignment. Although the term is common in both British and American English, educators have sometimes expressed concern that excessive homework may offer limited educational benefit, especially when it is repetitive or unrelated to effective learning.
Schoolwork assigned to a student to be completed outside class, especially at home.
"I spent the evening working on my history homework."
This is the dominant modern sense. In British English, the term is standard for work assigned outside lessons.
Preparatory study or research undertaken before a class, examination, event, or undertaking.
"Visitors are advised to do some homework before attending the conference."
This extended figurative sense is common in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.
The plural is grammatical but uncommon. It is more likely to appear in technical or academic contexts describing separate bodies of assigned work.
"The museum's educational homeworks are available to teachers."
Homework is literally work carried out at home: the word was born from the simple meeting of “home” and “work.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homework come from?
Homework is a compound of “home” and “work,” both of Old English in origin. The word developed during the 19th century, initially in the educational sense of work intended to be done at home. Its formation reflects an older convention of connecting two nouns directly, as is also seen in related compounds such as housework and housewife.
Related word forms
How homework is actually used
In everyday use, homework usually refers specifically to school assignments. In British English it is the standard term; American English also uses homework for school assignments and, by extension, preparation for a task or event. The word may be used attributively, as in “homework help” or “a homework assignment.”
Easily confused with homework
Homework is schoolwork assigned to a student, whereas housework is domestic work such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry.