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homework

Etymology and origin of the English word homework

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Compound
First attested
1662

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk/ (UK); /ˈhoʊmˌwɜɹk/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is a compound of home and work.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Work done at home, as opposed to work done in a shop or factory: 1662 in MWU, before 1683 in the OED.[3][4]

Semantic evolution

Lessons and exercises to be done by a schoolchild at home are attested by 1889;[2][4] the older holiday task is from 1827.[2] Figuratively, to do one's homework, to prepare for a meeting or discussion, is attested by 1934.[2][4] A slang use for petting, or a girlfriend, is from 1942.[4]

Timeline

  • 1662 – work done at home.[3]
  • 1889 – schoolwork done at home.[2][4]
  • 1934 – to do one's homework.[2][4]
  • 1942 – slang senses.[4]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. Schoolwork set to be done outside lessons, especially at home.
  2. Preparatory study or research.
  3. Paid work, such as piecework, done at home.
  • home
  • work
  • homeworker

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
Cite this entry

“Homework.” Etymologically, 16 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/en/homework. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

Last edited on . ·