tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the practice of traveling for recreation

2

: the guidance or management of tourists

3

a

: the promotion or encouragement of touring

b

: the accommodation of tourists

Examples of tourism in a Sentence

The city developed the riverfront to encourage tourism.

She has a job in tourism.

Recent Examples on the Web

The role of TikTok in viral growth Social media has played a major role in the rise of dental tourism trends. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Seats were filled with people who reached out to the show’s production company, Magical Elves, friends and family of Bravo staffers, a handful of journalists and influencers, and a few who’s who of Charlotte’s tourism scene. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026

The second half of Taylor Swift Night became a tribute to the state of California, sponsored by the state’s tourism bureau. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026

Airlines are cutting routes to Africa, potentially hitting tourism as rising fuel prices raise travel costs. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism

Kids Definition

tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm 

: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling