coming out
Americannoun
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a debut into society, especially a formal debut by a debutante.
-
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?
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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.
Etymology
Origin of coming out
First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase come out; see -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"There's still smoke coming out from different sections," Cayabyab said, adding that coast guard personnel intended to enter the ship and conduct firefighting operations.
From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026
"This was the first time I was organising a protest so I was just grateful to them for coming out in support of us."
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
The key point coming out of RMG’s most recent polling on that question?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
This is a sport that has not made coming out safe, where the silence is not cowardice but self-preservation.
From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026
“Jimmy, Papa said he can spare you for an hour. He’s coming out to—” She caught sight of me, and her face brightened.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
