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

Rowdy Tellez wasn’t going to foot the bill for his Sacramento homecoming this week against the Athletics. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025

Smaller probes, too, have also been intentionally returned to Earth, and may offer a better idea of what Kosmos 482's homecoming will look like. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025

In a recent appearance on the Highway 49 Podcast, Poggi discussed the ups and downs during his sub-two-season tenure with Charlotte, which ended on Nov. 18 after the team suffered its fourth 30-plus point loss of the season — the final coming on homecoming against South Florida. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2025

Abdul had nothing but positive things to say about Underwood's big homecoming on the show. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 May 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