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

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

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

The musical is framed as a vaudeville variety show with an experimental edge, a meta excursion in which other pop culture figures of King’s time (most of them largely forgotten) step forward to guide you through the story and the yarn grows more ripping by the scene. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025

The new credit card will include chances to earn toward member-exclusive experiences – such as trackside access at racing events and off-the-grid EV excursions. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 23 May 2025

Due to the repetitive boat activities and typical excursions (like swimming with dolphins or bus tours that always seemed to cost more than advertised), cruising left a bad taste in my mouth. —Martie Bowser, Essence, 22 May 2025

Highlights of all three itineraries include conditions-permitting excursions, from wildlife and northern lights viewing on land and at sea to zodiac rides through the otherworldly landscapes of the fjords, and visits to Ittoqqortoormiit. —Katherine Alex Beaven, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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)