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

The guy who accused her of having “blood coming out of her wherever,” nicknamed her “Crazy Megyn,” and encouraged his supporters to boycott her show?

From Slate • May 6, 2026

"People are still coming out," said Merryn Kidd, the CEO of the Bishop's Palace, "just not quite as many".

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Sellers are coming out of the woodwork as they notice demand from buyers creeping up.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“I don’t think we can say we’re just coming out of a bear market here,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

I see the little point of his eyebrow rise, his smile coming out into the open.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron