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

Prince Harry and Meghan’s surprise homecoming will undoubtedly trigger a frenzy of speculation in Britain where the Windsor clan’s family dramas routinely grip the nation. — Max Foster, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Turns out not every homecoming is a joyous one, and this one’s going to sting. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

As far as comparable complicated homecomings, Browne evoked Manny Ramirez’s return to Fenway Park in 2010 after being traded from Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Among the items available are sundresses and dresses for homecoming, after-5 and mother-of-the-bride; dress pants and shirts; ties; and school performance attire. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 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