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 Sens’ two preseason games in the provincial capital were intended to help make inroads with Quebecois fans, while also marking the end of Thomas Chabot’s lengthy homecoming. —Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

The shooting just hours before the school’s homecoming parade has renewed a yearslong debate over guns and public safety in Missouri. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025

The hum said homecoming in the truest sense—alumni, patrons, and believers returning to witness what their support has helped build. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025

The Golden Bulls’ 69-13 victory Saturday in their homecoming game was iced late in the first half, as their redshirt freshman wideout pulled off a 100-yard touchdown on a kickoff return. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025

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