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

While the wee-hour burrito purveyor built its brand in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, the move north represents a homecoming of sorts for founder Scott Slater. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

Simons’ previous season-high was 25 points in an October homecoming win in Orlando against the Magic. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

It’s been a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026

Former 49er Arik Armstead already had one homecoming win at Levi’s this season in Week 4. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 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