coming out

or com·ing-out

[ kuhm-ing-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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coming out¹

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

Example Sentences

Again, my father adores Scotland, and you have a First Minister coming out and just being fairly nasty in the days leading up.

From BBC

In the room where the fire started, he said that there were two cut cables coming out of the wall, where a socket would have been, and that electrical items had gone.

From BBC

“It was coming out so good, so accurate, just could feel it and see it that he was going to have a big night for himself.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I think I'm a much stronger person coming out of it."

From BBC

In September, when they heard Hebridean Isles was coming out of service, the couple made a final journey together on the old ship.

From BBC