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excursion

noun
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ex·​cur·​sion | \ ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio) \

Definition of excursion

1a : 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
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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 Certificates are not required to leave home, parks have largely remained open throughout, the public itself has been asked to use common sense in deciding what is a necessary excursion—and the authorities required to use the same in enforcement. — Tom Mctague, The Atlantic, "We Are Stronger Than We Think," 14 May 2020 Both boats are owned by Truth Aquatics, which operates the fleet for diving and other excursions around the Channel Islands. — Los Angeles Times, "Early investigation of boat fire suggests serious safety flaws aboard vessel where 34 died," 5 Sep. 2019 Lindblad guides accompanied us on our hikes and other excursions, putting nature and conservation into context. — Rosemary Mcclure, latimes.com, "Escape for a weekend to a Mexican expedition cruise brimming with sea vistas and animal antics," 15 Mar. 2018 But Courtois’s willingness to regularly expose himself to otherworldly jet lag on his N.B.A. excursions is an uncommon level of devotion. — Marc Stein, New York Times, "Nothing Can Keep Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois Away From the N.B.A.," 29 Apr. 2020 The rubber outsole and cork midsole are perfect for my limited excursions to let the dog out, check the mail, and pace the yard. — The Editors, Outside Online, "How the Outside Staff Stays Comfy During Quarantine," 12 Apr. 2020 Finally, our excursions to the moon have allowed us a unique look at our own home. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, "Every Moon in Our Solar System, Ranked," 7 Apr. 2020 Many people are still out and about, but limiting their excursions to work and running errands. — Ebony Joseph, Good Housekeeping, "I'm an American Teacher Navigating the COVID-19 Outbreak in South Korea. Here's What I've Learned.," 25 Mar. 2020 His latest hog hunting excursion near the Trinity River in central Liberty County resulted in the capture of a 488-pound feral hog, a record for Dudley, who is an experienced, professional trapping expert. — Rebecca Hennes, Houston Chronicle, "Tarkington men shoot and kill massive, nearly 500-pound feral hog in Liberty County," 20 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excursion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of excursion

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for excursion

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

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Time Traveler for excursion

Time Traveler

The first known use of excursion was circa 1587

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Statistics for excursion

Last Updated

17 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Excursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excursion. Accessed 29 May. 2020.

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More Definitions for excursion

excursion

noun
How to pronounce excursion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of excursion

: a short trip especially for pleasure

See the full definition for excursion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion | \ ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio) \

Kids Definition of excursion

1 : a brief trip for pleasure
2 : a trip at special reduced rates

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion | \ ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio) \

Medical Definition of excursion

1a : 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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More from Merriam-Webster on excursion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for excursion

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with excursion

Spanish Central: Translation of excursion

Nglish: Translation of excursion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of excursion for Arabic Speakers

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