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 music that played during sunset dinners carried the same polyrhythms as the drum circles at homecoming. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025

Authorities in southeastern Texas are warning community members to check candy thrown during a high school homecoming parade after three families reported finding sewing pins inside the sweets. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025

And bring that school spirit to the UC Bearcats' homecoming game. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Oct. 2025

Leno was honored at San Leandro High’s homecoming game last week and got to see the field for the first time in person. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 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