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

After coming out fighting on the eve of this game, declaring his fire was "burning very strongly", Howe looked glassy-eyed in his news conference following this latest defeat.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“Nothing would surprise me coming out of his mouth,” said Joyce Rothermel, 80, retired chief executive of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Julian began the series in the early ’90s after coming out, dedicating his work to his lover, Christopher.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

The rebound from the March selloff has been strong — but stock-market breadth hasn’t been quite as propulsive as what investors witnessed coming out of the April 2025 tariff tantrum.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

That was my whole purpose in coming out here.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz