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

His son, Brody, who was a starting catcher at Notre Dame as a sophomore, will be joining him for the homecoming. . . . —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024

The lineup also includes the San Diego band Pierce the Veil, making this a double homecoming. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024

This Carolina swing is often referred to as a homecoming on the NASCAR schedule, for both the industry and the sport’s fans. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2024

Hot Girl Summer Tour, but also celebrated a warm homecoming for some of the city’s brightest stars, including Cardi B and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 22 May 2024

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