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

Alumni flooded the stands of the football field during homecoming, and people have shown up in crowds to celebrate the centennial year at various events. —Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026

On the west side, another shows the homecoming of the troops at the war's end. —Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026

Along with Uche, wide receiver Tutu Atwell, a Miami Northwestern High alum, and cornerback Marco Wilson, who made a name for himself at American Heritage in Plantation, are making professional homecomings this year with the Dolphins. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026

Parker McCollum Conroe native McCollum’s fourth appearance was, as always, a homecoming. —Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, 23 Mar. 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