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.

---

Etymology

Origin of coming out

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase come out; see -ing ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coming out

"There's still smoke coming out from different sections," Cayabyab said, adding that coast guard personnel intended to enter the ship and conduct firefighting operations.

From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026

This is a sport that has not made coming out safe, where the silence is not cowardice but self-preservation.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

‘Star Trek’ icon George Takei discusses his graphic memoir ‘It Rhymes With Takei,’ coming out at age 68 and the importance of participating in democracy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam women's singles champion, coming out of retirement this summer sparked excitement among those who saw her in their prime and those too young to have witnessed it.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026

“No luck,” Eddie says, coming out of the bathroom.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy