excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən 

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

Did you know?

A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 album The Low End Theory is not only widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, but one of the genre’s most successful early excursions into jazz, utilizing samples and even featuring legendary bassist Ron Carter on one song. Excursion refers to a usually brief, pleasurable trip, and is often used figuratively—as in the previous sentence—for metaphorical trips outside of one’s usual territory, be they artistic or otherwise. The word comes from the Latin verb excurrere (“to run out” or “to extend”), which combines the prefix ex- meaning “out of” and the verb currere meaning “to run.” Although it is sometimes used to refer to attacks or raids made against an enemy, as in “military excursions,” excursion is mostly used today for much more enjoyable jaunts, junkets, and rambles. Accordingly, on your next excursion, whether to the park, beach, or elsewhere, you could do worse than to queue up The Low End Theory on your playlist. The album’s first track, after all, is titled “Excursions.”

Synonyms of excursion

• tour
• jaunt
• expedition
• outing

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

Polaris Anorak Built for outdoor excursions, the Canada Goose Polaris Anorak blends utility with sleek design. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025

Beryl and Paul Goldberg of Palm Beach County are classic-style cruisers who appreciate the relaxed itineraries, varied shore excursions, shipboard activities and evening entertainment. —Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 25 Dec. 2025

Hot-Stove League On an excursion into the high Rocky Mountains when the four of us were all teenagers, Kenny, Vern, Normy, and I were caught in a summer blizzard. —Patrick F. McManus, Outdoor Life, 25 Dec. 2025

Both accommodations also offer fishing excursions. —Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for excursion

• aspersion
• aversion
• conversion
• dispersion
• diversion
• eversion
• immersion
• incursion
• inversion
• perversion
• recursion
• reversion

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Kids Definition

excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən 

1

a

: a short trip for pleasure

b

: a trip at special reduced rates

2

: a wandering off from the subject : digression

Etymology

from Latin excursio, excursion- "a going out," from excurrere "to run out, make an excursion, extend," from ex- "out, forth" and currere "to run" — related to current

Medical Definition

excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən 

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)