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

Headlining the event is Sheryl Lee, who played the homecoming queen Laura Palmer in the series. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025

For many inductees, Moran said, the night feels like a homecoming. —Bryan West, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Russell Dickerson is having a homecoming of sorts at Summerfest this year. —Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 12 Nov. 2025

The 10-day fest is a homecoming for Jay, who grew up across the Hudson and got his start doing open mics in the city. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Nov. 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