homecoming

noun

home·​com·​ing ˈhōm-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce homecoming (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Homer’s homecoming epic is full of such lovely touches. — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 The aesthete makes a natural savior, and his arrival in this kingdom is something of a homecoming. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Because this moment of homecoming is a symbolic victory for the Black Queen. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 So to return to the palace prepared to shoot their cautious but cutting infiltration of the Red Keep was a homecoming. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for homecoming

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homecoming was in the 15th century

Rhymes for homecoming

See All Rhymes for homecoming

Browse Nearby Words

home car
homecoming
home computer
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Cite this Entry

“Homecoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homecoming. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

homecoming

noun
home·​com·​ing ˈhōm-ˌkəm-ing How to pronounce homecoming (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on homecoming

Nglish: Translation of homecoming for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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