homecoming

noun

home·​com·​ing ˈhōm-ˌkə-miŋ 

1

: a return home

a soldier's homecoming

2

: the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home

especially : an annual celebration for alumni at a high school, college, or university

—often used before another noun

a homecoming rally

homecoming weekend

the annual homecoming game/dance

was elected the homecoming queen

Examples of homecoming in a Sentence

A large crowd gathered at the airport for the soldiers' homecoming.

Recent Examples on the Web

The former UConn star who plays for the French national team has deep ties to the Bay Area, making her signing with the Valkyries a homecoming of sorts. —Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

These collaborations and the balance of personnel from pop and country frame Middle of Nowhere as less of a homecoming than a holistic creative reunification. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 May 2026

But heightened tensions between the White House and Vatican might delay such a homecoming. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

His parents say visiting the NICU team was a homecoming and they're filled with gratitude. —Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 5 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for homecoming

• overcoming
• unbecoming
• becoming
• forthcoming
• incoming
• oncoming
• shortcoming
• succumbing
• upcoming
• coming
• cumming
• drumming

Kids Definition

homecoming

noun

home·​com·​ing ˈhōm-ˌkəm-ing 

1

: a return home

2

a

: the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented

b

: a yearly celebration for alumni at a school