preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
"The teacher assigned extra math problems as homework to ensure we were ready for tomorrow's quiz."
Work that is done at home, especially school exercises assigned by a teacher.
"The student stayed up late to finish his math homework before dinner."
In plain English: Homework is schoolwork you do at home instead of during class time.
"The students spent their evening completing their homework before dinner."
Usage: Homework refers specifically to academic tasks assigned by teachers to be completed outside of class hours. Do not confuse this with general chores or self-study undertaken without direct instruction from an educator.
The word homework is a straightforward combination of the words home and work. It entered English to describe tasks assigned by teachers that students are expected to complete outside of class time at their residences.