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 country continues to outpace the euro area average amid labor market productivity, a healthy tourism industry and domestic demand, and a relatively strong fiscal position. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Clear water is good for tourism, said Ina Lee, owner of Travelhost Magazine of Greater Fort Lauderdale and founder of the Beach Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

For example, accurate weather forecasting is essential for tourism and agriculture. — Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

During the height of the frenzy over space tourism, Branson and Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, the founder of the Blue Origin rocket company, competed to see who could reach space first. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

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

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