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

Daniels’ homecoming sunk in during a morning workout early in his tenure. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

The feature adaptation debuted through the Frontières Proof-of-Concept program at Cannes in 2021 and later participated in Frontières’ Co-Production Market in Montreal, making this year’s world premiere a fitting homecoming. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 July 2026

Amanda Pedersen Giske / NTB/AFP via Getty Images The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital. — Reuters, NBC news, 14 July 2026

Use homemade simple syrup for the absolute best tea at the homecoming. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 11 July 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