homeland

noun

home·​land ˈhōm-ˌland 

 also  -lənd

plural homelands

1

: the native land or country of one's parents, one's ancestors, or oneself

our ancestral homeland

hadn't seen their homeland since they were children

2

: a state or area designated as a state for a people of a particular national, cultural, or racial origin

They are fighting for an independent homeland.

the U.S. Department of Homeland Security [=a department in the U.S. government that is responsible for the safety of the U.S. and its citizens]

specifically, in South African history : any of several all-Black enclaves that had a limited degree of self-government : bantustan

Synonyms

• home
• country

Examples of homeland in a Sentence

He returned to his homeland for the first time in many years.

The rebels are fighting for an independent homeland.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2020, that database has provided information used by professionals in areas of homeland security, school safety and violence prevention. —NPR, 25 Oct. 2025

So while that’s not our original homeland, that’s where our reservation is today, where our tribe continues to live and thrive. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025

In 2010, Mariana won Miss Universe Puerto Rico, which marked a proud moment for her in representing her homeland. —Erica Marrison, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

Following religious conviction, pride in one's homeland and confidence in its future is the sentiment that very well might induce the most people to get married and have children. —MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for homeland

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

homeland

noun

home·​land ˈhōm-ˌland 

: native land : fatherland