homeland

noun

home·​land ˈhōm-ˌland 

also -lənd

plural homelands

1

: the native land or country of one's parents, one's ancestors, or oneself

our ancestral homeland

hadn't seen their homeland since they were children

2

: a state or area designated as a state for a people of a particular national, cultural, or racial origin

They are fighting for an independent homeland.

the U.S. Department of Homeland Security [=a department in the U.S. government that is responsible for the safety of the U.S. and its citizens]

specifically, in South African history : any of several all-Black enclaves that had a limited degree of self-government : bantustan

Synonyms of homeland

• home
• country

Examples of homeland in a Sentence

He returned to his homeland for the first time in many years.

The rebels are fighting for an independent homeland.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Italian forward has been linked with a return to his homeland this summer after making just nine starts in all competitions across Arne Slot’s two-year reign. — James Pearce, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Los Blancos’ interest in Rodri is long-standing and it has been previously claimed that the midfielder would be open to a return to his homeland at some point in the future. — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Advocates counter the danger and suffering endured by Haitians in their homeland that has been continuous and far from temporary. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam – and his buff alter ego He-Man – who returns to his homeland of Eternia to reunite with old friends and battle evil, over-the-top Skeletor (Jared Leto). — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for homeland

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

homeland

noun

home·​land ˈhōm-ˌland 

: native land : fatherland