excursion

noun ex·cur·sion \ ik-ˈskər-zhən \

Definition of excursion

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

See excursion defined for English-language learners

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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 of excursion from the Web

Most were Shriners who planned to hand out fliers advertising a future excursion.

— john kelly, Washington Post, "In 1904, spectators at a rowing regatta on the Potomac set off on a boat — and died," 29 Aug. 2017
The low point of last year’s West Coast excursion came when Cam Newton was benched for the start of the Seattle game, forcing Rivera to start Derek Anderson in the nationally televised game.

— joseph person, charlotteobserver, "Christian McCaffrey a bright spot during otherwise dismal day for Panthers’ offense," 19 Aug. 2017
The participated in rafting and snorkeling excursions and attended a professional soccer game.

— enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "TMC president takes part in football practice; soccer programs return from Costa Rica," 17 Aug. 2017
These were the sorts of trips where meals were more like brief feeding periods to give us the energy to squeeze five excursions into a single day.

— priya krishna, Bon Appetit, "Aloo Bhujia: The Indian Snacks That I'll Have Over Doritos Any Day," 16 Aug. 2017
News of the sanctions came after the president of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, posted a picture with Álvarez, the governor of Chiapas, together with a tour guide while on a boating excursion in Chiapas on his Instagram profile.

— Hoy, "Mexican soccer star Rafa Marquez and Norteño singer Julion Alvarez among 22 sanctioned for drug ties," 9 Aug. 2017
Since excursions start later in the day, passengers have plenty of time to sleep in after a late night out.

— tess koman, Cosmopolitan, "How Does the Idea of a Millennial-Only Cruise Make You Feel?," 7 Aug. 2017
Other excursion highlights include dog sledding in Juneau, a visit to the Sitka Sound Science Center, and a day at Glacier Bay National Park.

— rachel rabkin peachman, CNT, "Why Your Next Family Vacation Should Be on a Cruise," 26 July 2017
Alone, that brief journey isn’t nearly memorable enough to deserve an entire coaster experience, but perhaps the addition of the time travel shenanigans before and after said excursion could offer some justification.

— marc snetiker, EW.com, "New ride coming to Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter," 24 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of excursion

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1587

See Words from the same year

excursion Synonyms

Synonyms

jaunt, junket, outing, ramble, sally, sashay, sortie, spin

Related Words

journey, travel (s), voyage; circuit, tour; expedition, odyssey, safari; detour; hike, peregrination, trek, walk; pilgrimage

EXCURSION Defined for English Language Learners

excursion

noun

Definition of excursion for English Language Learners

: a short trip especially for pleasure

EXCURSION Defined for Kids

excursion

noun ex·cur·sion \ ik-ˈskər-zhən \

Definition of excursion for Students

1 :a brief trip for pleasure

2 :a trip at special reduced rates

Medical Dictionary

excursion

noun ex·cur·sion \ ik-ˈskər-zhən \

medical Definition of excursion

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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excursion Synonyms

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EXCURSION Defined for English Language Learners

excursion

Definition of excursion for English Language Learners

EXCURSION Defined for Kids

excursion

Definition of excursion for Students

Medical Dictionary

excursion

medical Definition of excursion

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