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 Argentina golden visa program is expected to ask for an investment of $500,000 in sectors like technology, agribusiness, energy, or tourism in return for the immediate right to live there and seek nationality. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Across Europe, cities are rethinking how tourism can support—not strain—the places travelers love most. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

The business may allow Anguilla to diversify its economy, which is largely reliant on tourism dollars at risk each hurricane season. —semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025

As Sin City grapples with a tourism decline, one Las Vegas icon is pointing fingers at overpriced casinos and hotels and the damage the COVID-19 virus left behind. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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