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

Chicago is also a homecoming for us because the very first Go Fest was at Grant Park in 2017. —Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026

Other snaps from early in their relationship are featured throughout Brunson’s Instagram, including a cute throwback of the couple attending a homecoming dance in 2014 and the aforementioned prom photo. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 3 June 2026

The homecoming didn’t last past early February, though. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Now, during his Philadelphia homecoming, Castellanos has again been cast adrift. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 3 June 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