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

"You should look for more footage coming out of various cities in Ukraine," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

Even in the tone of his voice, you can hear the real Robert coming out.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

"If they do, I have no choice but to charge a 100 percent tariff on all champagnes and all wines coming out of France," he was quoted as saying.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

“There’s really an embarrassment of riches right now coming out of the open source labs.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Anyway, the new one is coming out the weekend of December 4, and Pam wants me to buy advance tickets—there’s only one theater in Chokecherry, and when it sells out, that’s it.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman