1. the countries or regions where people were born or have ancestral ties
Usage: plural of homeland
2. territories designated for specific ethnic groups, especially in former apartheid South Africa
Usage: historical; political context

Examples

• Many immigrants maintain strong connections to their homelands.
• The refugees dreamed of returning to their homelands someday.
• Cultural festivals celebrate traditions from various homelands.
• Letters from their homelands brought news of family and friends.
• The apartheid system created separate homelands for different racial groups.
• Economic opportunities were limited in the designated homelands.
• People were forced to relocate to distant homelands under the policy.