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
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
In December 2023, tribal leaders returned to their homelands from a reservation in northern Oklahoma to purchase and reclaim Red Mountain — also known as Sugarloaf Mountain — a highly sacred spot in Milam County, northeast of Austin.
—
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
President Trump will conclude his four-day trip to his ancestral homeland of Scotland on Tuesday.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 28 July 2025
Having defended their homeland valiantly for more than three and a half years, the war has taken an unimaginable toll on civilians and the military.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 27 July 2025
Paul Carman is a Kiwi who returned to his homeland in 2018 after working in finance in London for 30 years.
—Alison Boleyn, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for homeland
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Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
President Trump will conclude his four-day trip to his ancestral homeland of Scotland on Tuesday.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 28 July 2025
Having defended their homeland valiantly for more than three and a half years, the war has taken an unimaginable toll on civilians and the military.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 27 July 2025
Paul Carman is a Kiwi who returned to his homeland in 2018 after working in finance in London for 30 years.
—Alison Boleyn, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for homeland
Cite this Entry
“Homeland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeland. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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homeland
noun
home·land
ˈhōm-ˌland
: native land : fatherland
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