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

Greeks will tell you that Homer’s epic tale with its themes of hospitality, loyalty, feasting, and homecoming is still a true reflection of Greek culture today. — Heidi Fuller-Love, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026

Monday’s audience was a daytime homecoming, with the natural espadrille wedges supplying a more casual finish following a nail-biting World Cup victory for Spain. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Not only that, getting back in the saddle to work once more with Roberto, Greg and Sarah truly feels like a homecoming. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 July 2026

In an industry where workers often find jobs away from home, a homecoming after stints in Eureka and Colorado Springs was a chance Carroll’s grateful for. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 18 July 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