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

Puth, who grew up nearby in suburban New Jersey, treated the concert as a homecoming and a victory lap. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026

The two teenagers were seeking a place to take homecoming photos and thought the upscale property was a good backdrop. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 28 May 2026

The collaboration marks a homecoming for the Currys — who met while growing up in Charlotte and visit regularly — and solidifies their ties with the The MINA Group, which operates the original location of The Eighth Rule in San Francisco and pairs with Sweet July at the Regent Santa Monica Beach. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

Two boys’ adventure scouting the Jefferson County foothills for the perfect spot to take homecoming photos in 2024 was shattered like the glass of their car’s windshield when a bullet came rushing in, striking one of the teens in the face. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 27 May 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