WordGarden.iohomeland
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈəʊmlənd/
US
- /ˈhoʊmˌlænd/
Meanings
Noun
the country or place that someone regards as home
a traditional or ancestral territory associated with a people or cultural group
a country's domestic territory, especially in government or security contexts
Beyond the definition
Your homeland isn't just where you were born; it's the place that feels like home. It's woven into your identity—the landscapes, the culture, and the stories passed down through generations. For a sailor lost at sea, their homeland is a beacon of hope. For an immigrant building a new life, it's a cherished memory and a source of strength. The word carries weight, often evoking feelings of patriotism, belonging, and deep emotional connection. Think of Odysseus in The Odyssey, driven by an unshakeable desire to return to his homeland of Ithaca after twenty years of wandering.
"Homeland" refers to the country or region where someone is born, raised, or feels a strong sense of belonging. It's more than just geography; it is deeply connected to personal and cultural identity. While "country of origin" is often used as a factual descriptor, "homeland" carries emotional resonance—suggesting a place of roots, heritage, and profound attachment.
The concept of homeland can be particularly powerful for those who have been displaced or exiled. For refugees fleeing conflict, their homeland represents not just a physical location but also lost memories, family ties, and a way of life. It's often invoked in political discourse, stirring feelings of national pride and unity, sometimes with complex implications. Think of the phrase "defending our homeland," which can inspire both courage and division.
Historically, the idea of a homeland has been central to movements for independence and self-determination. People fighting for their homeland are often motivated by a desire to reclaim sovereignty and preserve their cultural heritage. So, while it simply means the place you call home, "homeland" is a word steeped in history, emotion, and personal meaning—representing not just where you are from, but who you are.
Examples
- 1
Living abroad
Even after twenty years abroad, she still misses her homeland.
- 2
Refugees
Many refugees dream of returning to their homeland one day.
- 3
Military language
The soldiers said they were ready to defend the homeland.
- Usagethe homeland
often used in official or military language for the country itself
- 4
Family origins
He visited his ancestral homeland for the first time last summer.
- Phraseancestral homeland
the country or region your family originally came from
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Adopted country
After living there for forty years, Italy had become her adopted homeland.
- Phraseadopted homeland
a country you were not born in but feel is your own
See also
Similar
- native land
- home country
- country of origin
Shades of meaning
- motherland
- fatherland
- ancestral homeland
Contrast
- foreign country
- exile
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- return to one's homeland
- defend the homeland
- homeland security
Explore
- diaspora
- national identity
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- homelandnoun
Forms
- homelandspluralnoun