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

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

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