excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
1
a
: a going out or forth : expedition
b(1)
: a usually brief pleasure trip
(2)
: a trip at special reduced rates
2
: deviation from a direct, definite, or proper course
especially : digression
needless excursions into abstruse theory
3
: a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis
also : the distance traversed : amplitude
the excursion of a piston

Did you know?

A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 album The Low End Theory is not only widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, but one of the genre’s most successful early excursions into jazz, utilizing samples and even featuring legendary bassist Ron Carter on one song. Excursion refers to a usually brief, pleasurable trip, and is often used figuratively—as in the previous sentence—for metaphorical trips outside of one’s usual territory, be they artistic or otherwise. The word comes from the Latin verb excurrere (“to run out” or “to extend”), which combines the prefix ex- meaning “out of” and the verb currere meaning “to run.” Although it is sometimes used to refer to attacks or raids made against an enemy, as in “military excursions,” excursion is mostly used today for much more enjoyable jaunts, junkets, and rambles. Accordingly, on your next excursion, whether to the park, beach, or elsewhere, you could do worse than to queue up The Low End Theory on your playlist. The album’s first track, after all, is titled “Excursions.”

Examples of excursion in a Sentence

They went on a brief excursion to the coast. our weekend excursions have encompassed virtually all parts of our home state
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Made from 100 percent linen fabric, these airy shorts are the perfect pick for hot travel days, sightseeing excursions, and more, and the loose fit is both forgiving and flattering. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025 Behind it, Paradise Plaza serves as the welcome portal where visitors can book shore excursions, find ice cream and daily entertainment in the form of live bands and parades representing Bahamian culture. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2025 Guests can choose from a variety of dining options and extra experiences like cabana rentals and shore excursions. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 21 July 2025 Its onboard hospitality, service, and excursions are unparalleled. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for excursion

Word History

Etymology

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of excursion was circa 1587

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Cite this Entry

“Excursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excursion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
1
a
: a short trip for pleasure
b
: a trip at special reduced rates
2
: a wandering off from the subject : digression
Etymology

from Latin excursio, excursion- "a going out," from excurrere "to run out, make an excursion, extend," from ex- "out, forth" and currere "to run" — related to current

Medical Definition

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
1
a
: a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis
excursion of the femur
b
: the distance traversed
2
: one complete movement of expansion and contraction of the lungs and their membranes (as in breathing)

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