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

Last year, the group was banned from the university’s homecoming parade before a federal judge ruled that their removal was likely a violation of the First Amendment. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

The area gets the most crowded after big events like homecoming and prom, Sheila Sarringar said. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

The Odyssey ends in a homecoming, driven by Nostos (hope for home). — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

These homecomings help explain why a ferry can be full even when its destination is absent from the usual resort itineraries. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 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