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

Example Sentences

"Even if it was four or five agency workers coming out, that would be massive, but we've got over 40 and more and more joining us."

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“I don’t think he’s any harm to me as long as I don’t go down the side of the house while he’s coming out.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the headwinds coming out of Washington, D.C., also appear to be giving some automakers pause.

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Ten seconds passed between Vicario coming out of his box and Wilson shooting - which was five seconds after the clearance.

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Images aired Thursday on the official news channel of the Palestinian Authority showed two men coming out of a building with their hands raised and lifting their shirts to show they were unarmed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal