oncoming

American  

[on-kuhm-ing, awn-] / ˈɒnˌkʌm ɪŋ, ˈɔn- /

adjective

1. approaching; nearing.

   the oncoming train; the oncoming holiday season.

2. emerging.

   the oncoming generation of leaders.

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noun

1. approach; onset.

   the oncoming of winter.

oncoming British  

/ ˈɒnˌkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. coming nearer in space or time; approaching

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noun

1. the approach or onset

   the oncoming of winter

Etymology

Origin of oncoming

1835–45; on + coming, after verb phrase come on

Example Sentences

“I wonder if phones are programmed to fling themselves into oncoming traffic to force you to upgrade.”

From Literature

I stopped dead in my tracks as a realization hit me like an oncoming train.

From Literature

While attempting to flee, Gerrett, who was in his 30s, fell down a grass verge into oncoming traffic and was fatally hit by a car.

From BBC

“He would hurl himself straight as an arrow right into the great roaring grey wall of an oncoming breaker and go clean through it as if it had neither weight nor momentum.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Fighters wrap ropes around their punching hand, named "the spear", and block oncoming blows with the other, referred to as the "shield".

From BBC

Related Words

• approaching
• onrushing