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.
These bags come from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s fall 2026 collection, her first as Fendi’s chief creative officer—and something of a homecoming for the Roman designer. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 After a decade away from Broadway, Morrison returned this year for a special three-week engagement as Bobby Darin in jukebox musical Just in Time, marking a celebrated homecoming to the stage. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 The plants grew in popularity in the first half of the 20th century because of their use as corsages at college homecoming parades and festivities. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Hill, a former WZUP deejay and radio personality, upstages Martin during a homecoming visit to Detroit, motivating Payne to quit his job to pursue his own career in Hollywood. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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