homecoming

noun

home·​com·​ing ˈhōm-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce homecoming (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s less of a reference to the tour de force singer and songwriter’s 2019 live album and documentary concert film of the same name, but more a nod to true-to-life, Lone Star State homecoming traditions. Amber Elliott, Vogue, 30 June 2025 The match on Sunday is also serving as a homecoming for Lavelle, who hails from Cincinnati. Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 29 June 2025 Operating there will be something of a homecoming for Moerke’s wife, who worked as a bartender for several years under owner Chris Fuselier. Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 28 June 2025 Mariah had no idea her brother, who'd been stationed in Poland for a year, would be at her school's big night. Watch the video above to see the tearful homecoming reunion After being granted leave, Ethan's plan to surprise his sister worked perfectly! Seth Carnell, USA Today, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for homecoming

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homecoming was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Homecoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homecoming. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

homecoming

noun
home·​com·​ing ˈhōm-ˌkəm-ing How to pronounce homecoming (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on homecoming

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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