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

Trump didn't mention this existing homecoming plan in his post. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Toya is anxiously preparing for her brother Walter’s return from prison, hoping his homecoming will heal deep family rifts. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 28 Jan. 2025

Only a few months later, when thousands descended on the city during Jackson State University’s homecoming game, the water system nearly collapsed under the strain. —Catherine Coleman Flowers, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025

In Mike McCarthy’s homecoming game, Dak Prescott manufactured a last-minute game-winning drive well after the clock struck midnight in a game that featured a one hour, 25 minute rain delay. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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