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; -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In 2022, household consumption was lifted by multiple tailwinds, including job growth coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, vestiges of government stimulus in response to the pandemic-related downturn, and strong household balance sheets.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

None of that would speak to the risk premium coming out of oil prices, he said, so the idea that oil is going to go back below $70 a barrel seems “far-fetched,” according to Turnquist.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

He told the Times that coming out at the time would have killed his career.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

There was even a World Series star coming out of the bullpen, new cult hero Will Klein entering the game to the night’s loudest ovation and throwing a scoreless inning.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

We are about to leave when we hear the boys next door, Sadik, Emir, and Nazim, coming out into our shared courtyard.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar