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

The stadium reopened in late November, which allowed the school to host a homecoming game on senior night. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Dec. 2025

In high school, Baker was elected homecoming queen. —Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025

At Smedley Elementary School, where teachers and students sent cards, prayers, and videos during his recovery, the community turned out in full force for a homecoming celebration. —Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

For McCain, Christmas Jam is a homecoming of sorts. —Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2025

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