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.
Ships coming out of the Strait of Hormuz can take weeks or months to reach their destinations, particularly in Asia, where demand has been curtailed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026
Here are shows coming out this month to put on your streaming list.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026
“We’re able to increase throughput, also improve the quality that’s coming out the back end of that material and sell it at a premium.”
From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026
"We've not got tickets but obviously we were still coming out," James said.
From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026
Our waitress is coming out of the kitchen, looking at her pad of paper.
From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy
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.
