home-coming

A student returns home for a home-coming celebration.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Return to one's home: "home-coming" refers to the act of returning to one's home or family residence after a period of absence.
   • A celebratory event: In some cultures, especially in schools or universities, "home-coming" is a special event or celebration held to welcome back former students or alumni.

Usage Examples

• Return to one's home:

  • Her home-coming was a joyful surprise for the family. (Her return to the family home was unexpected and happy.)
  • After years abroad, his home-coming was filled with emotional reunions. (His return to his native place was emotional.)

• A celebratory event:

  • The university organized a home-coming parade for alumni. (A parade to welcome back former students.)
  • Home-coming weekend is the most anticipated event of the school year. (A special weekend for returning graduates and current students.)

Advanced Usage

• "home-coming queen/king": A title often given to a student elected during home-coming celebrations, typically at high schools or colleges.

  • She was voted home-coming queen by her classmates. (She was chosen as the honorary female representative for the event.)

• "home-coming game": A sports match, usually football or basketball, held as part of home-coming festivities.

  • The home-coming game drew a large crowd of supporters. (The game attracted many fans, including alumni.)

Variants and Related Words

• Homecoming (n): a variant spelling without the hyphen, often used interchangeably.

  • The homecoming dance was a memorable evening for everyone. (The dance celebrating the return of alumni was memorable.)

• Home (n): the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.

  • She longed to return to her home. (She desired to go back to her family residence.)

Synonyms

• Return: the act of coming back to a place.

  • His return to the village was celebrated by all. (His coming back was celebrated.)

• Reunion: the act of coming together again after a separation.

  • The family reunion was a warm home-coming. (The gathering of family members was like a return home.)

Related Idioms

• Come home: to return to one's home.

  • It's time to come home for dinner. (Return to the house for a meal.)

• Welcome home: an expression of greeting when someone returns.

  • They put up a banner saying "Welcome home!" (A sign to greet the returning person.)