homework English · revision 7710

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1662}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk/ ''(UK)''; /ˈhoʊmˌwɜɹk/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a compound of [[home]] and [[work]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==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.^(MWU 2024)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Lessons and exercises to be done by a schoolchild at home are attested by 1889;^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) the older ''holiday task'' is from 1827.^(Etymonline) Figuratively, ''to do one's homework'', to prepare for a meeting or discussion, is attested by 1934.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) A slang use for petting, or a girlfriend, is from 1942.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1662 – work done at home.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1889 – schoolwork done at home.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1934 – to do one's homework.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1942 – slang senses.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # Schoolwork set to be done outside lessons, especially at [[home]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Preparatory study or research.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Paid work, such as [[piecework]], done at home.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[home]]

+ * [[work]]

+ * [[homeworker]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}