coming out

American  

[kuhm-ing-out] / ˈkʌm ɪŋˈaʊt /

Or coming-out

noun

1. a debut into society, especially a formal debut by a debutante.

2. one's acknowledgment and public disclosure of a sexual orientation or gender identity that does not conform to socially defined norms.

   How did your parents respond to your coming out?

3. an acknowledgment of a surprising interest or hobby, or an unexpected identification as part of a fandom, a supporter of a particular political party, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of coming out

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase come out; see -ing ¹

Example Sentences

No wonder New Yorkers are coming out in droves for the Knicks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

The government is expected to announce the pay award within weeks, and the NEU will ballot if it isn't backed by funding rather than coming out of school budgets.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

“Seeing the fans ride for you so hard and be like, ‘This was the first time I felt represented on camera,’ it’s really gorgeous to see everyone coming out and celebrating that and celebrating you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The best approach may be to minimize the “multiplicity” of conflicting voices and viewpoints coming out of the Fed, said Alan Blinder, former Fed vice chair and professor at Princeton University.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

That was my whole purpose in coming out here.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz