homecoming
Americannoun
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a return to one's home; arrival at home.
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an annual event held by a college, university, or high school for visiting alumni.
noun
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the act of coming home
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an annual celebration held by a university, college, or school, for former students
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of homecoming
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”; see come, -ing 1
Explanation
When someone returns home in a celebratory way — from war, college, or a long trip, for example — they have a homecoming. If your brother works at sea as a fisherman for several months each year, your whole family might gather for his homecoming. Your homecoming after your first year at college might be a bit of a letdown, if you're expected to find a summer job immediately. A soldier's homecoming is almost always a relief for his or her family. In high school or college, homecoming is a reunion that often centers around an autumn football game and a dance or party. In the U.S., this type of homecoming has been around since the 1930s.
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.
For Iger, who owns a stake in Thrive, the move is something of a homecoming.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
The Open at Portrush last year had a "magnificent atmosphere" and felt like "a homecoming" for McIlroy after his first Masters win, McNeill said.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026
Michael Cooper’s return to Cal State Los Angeles is more than just another coaching stop — it’s a homecoming.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
BTS’ comeback could be likened to a classical Greek hero’s homecoming.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026
"What? I don't want to go to homecoming with Kim. I don't even like her. I mean, you know . . . You like her."
From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell
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.
