A reunion is a gathering of people who haven't seen each other in a long time, usually because they were once part of the same group. The most common type is a family reunion, where cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents come together from different cities or states to catch up and celebrate their connections. Schools often hold class reunions years after graduation, so former classmates can see how everyone's lives have turned out.

When old friends have a reunion, they're reuniting bonds that time and distance had separated.

Reunions can feel bittersweet. People are excited to reconnect, but they also notice how much has changed. Your grandmother might exclaim at how tall you've grown since the last family reunion. Former teammates might laugh about old memories while realizing how different their lives have become.

The word can also describe any coming back together: when a band reunites for a special concert, fans celebrate the reunion. When a lost dog finds its way home, the reunion with its relieved owner can bring tears of joy.