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
When Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raided by the FBI in March 2024, a homeland security agent visited Jane’s residence as well, leaving a business card.
—
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 June 2025
Seoul, South Korea CNN — Ukraine’s shock drone strike on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet this week has generals and analysts taking a new look at threats to high-value United States aircraft at bases in the homeland and abroad – and the situation is worrisome.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
One of the more interesting exchanges occurred on social media between San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy and a homeland security adviser.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
This set him on a collision course with Zionism, the belief in Jewish self-determination in the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for homeland
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Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 June 2025
Seoul, South Korea CNN — Ukraine’s shock drone strike on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet this week has generals and analysts taking a new look at threats to high-value United States aircraft at bases in the homeland and abroad – and the situation is worrisome.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
One of the more interesting exchanges occurred on social media between San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy and a homeland security adviser.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
This set him on a collision course with Zionism, the belief in Jewish self-determination in the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 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 15 Jun. 2025.
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homeland
noun
home·land
ˈhōm-ˌland
: native land : fatherland
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