coming out

Or com·ing-out

[kuhm-ing-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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coming out¹

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