homecoming

[hohm-kuhm-ing]

noun

1. a return to one's home; arrival at home.

2. an annual event held by a college, university, or high school for visiting alumni.

homecoming

/ ˈhəʊmˌkʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of coming home

2. an annual celebration held by a university, college, or school, for former students

Other Word Forms

• homecomer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of homecoming¹

First recorded in 1325–75; 1930–35 homecoming for def. 2; Middle English homcomyng; replacing Middle English hamcume, Old English hāmcyme, from hām home + cyme “arrival”; come, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

UCLA’s 24 consecutive points made its halftime advantage seem far greater, prompting Michigan State fans to serenade their team with boos heading into the locker room on what was shaping up as a not-so-festive homecoming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gilman played at Notre Dame but began his college career at Navy, so returning to Maryland is a homecoming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I eventually married a blond, doe-eyed beauty, a former member of the homecoming queen’s court at UCLA, who was out of my league but liked my jokes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At a homecoming party the crew wear T-shirts printed with the words, "The world as you know it no longer exists" - but Giulia feels changed.

Read more on BBC

Kyrie, by then in high school, found himself barred from homecoming and other events until his family paid down the balance.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• advent 
• appearance 
• influx 
• landing 
• meeting 
• return