homeland
noun
home·land
ˈhōm-ˌland 
also -lənd
plural homelands
1
: the native land or country of one's parents, one's ancestors, or oneself
our ancestral homeland
hadn't seen their homeland since they were children
2
: a state or area designated as a state for a people of a particular national, cultural, or racial origin
They are fighting for an independent homeland.
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security [=a department in the U.S. government that is responsible for the safety of the U.S. and its citizens]
specifically, in South African history
: any of several all-Black enclaves that had a limited degree of self-government : bantustan
Examples of homeland in a Sentence
He returned to his homeland for the first time in many years.
The rebels are fighting for an independent homeland.
Recent Examples on the Web
Since 2020, that database has provided information used by professionals in areas of homeland security, school safety and violence prevention.
—
NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
So while that’s not our original homeland, that’s where our reservation is today, where our tribe continues to live and thrive.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
In 2010, Mariana won Miss Universe Puerto Rico, which marked a proud moment for her in representing her homeland.
—Erica Marrison, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Following religious conviction, pride in one's homeland and confidence in its future is the sentiment that very well might induce the most people to get married and have children.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for homeland
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NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
So while that’s not our original homeland, that’s where our reservation is today, where our tribe continues to live and thrive.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
In 2010, Mariana won Miss Universe Puerto Rico, which marked a proud moment for her in representing her homeland.
—Erica Marrison, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Following religious conviction, pride in one's homeland and confidence in its future is the sentiment that very well might induce the most people to get married and have children.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for homeland
Cite this Entry
“Homeland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeland. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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homeland
noun
home·land
ˈhōm-ˌland
: native land : fatherland
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