coming out

or com·ing-out

[ kuhm-ing-out ]

/ ˈkʌm ɪŋˈaʊt /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR coming out ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a debut into society, especially a formal debut by a debutante.

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?

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.

Origin of coming out

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase come out;see -ing¹

Words nearby coming out

coming, coming and going, have someone, comingle, Coming of Age in Samoa, coming or going, not know if one is, coming out, coming out of one's ears, comings and goings, “Coming Through the Rye”, COMINT, Comintern

Example sentences from the Web for coming out

It was a coming-out story of sorts told with self-effacing un-sentimentality.
The Best Columns of 2014|John Avlon, Errol Louis|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Jason Collins, Sports Illustrated The coming-out story that rocked basketball—and the world.
The Week’s Best Longreads for May 3, 2013|David Sessions|May 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And I cant stay very long, only four months, because my coming-out party is in October.
Short Stories of the New America|Various
The Desmonds were giving the dance as a coming-out for one of their own daughters, and their house was en fête.
A Popular Schoolgirl|Angela Brazil

Sophy thought that perhaps she had better arrange a coming-out ball for Belinda before the girl appeared in society.
Shadows of Flames|Amelie Rives
I—I suppose I just came to peep in on you like I did to the coming-out party.
The Heart's Kingdom|Maria Thompson Daviess
I want you to stand up with me, and receive, till the dancing begins, as if it were your coming-out.
Ragged Lady, Complete|William Dean Howells