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 matchup will serve as a homecoming game for Huskies star and Durham native Sarah Strong in what will be her senior season. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026

Donaldson’s mother, Stacey Symonds, was a softball star at FSU and many family members and friends were at the Tucker Center Tuesday for Tre’s homecoming. —Field Level Media, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

Blizzards also can lead to things happening a little differently, such as a mayor getting behind the wheel of a plow, or delaying the homecoming of a popular turkey. —Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 25 Feb. 2026

For founder Vasili Kotsiovos, the move is also a bit of a homecoming. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 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