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

Antarctica tourism usually takes place between November and March, and most of it comes via ships leaving from South America and arriving around the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost arm of the mainland. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Nepal's police, disaster management authority and the tourism board have also been providing regular updates on their social media feeds. — Jennifer Pak, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the bridge should spur development between the two countries in various spheres — including tourism — and create new jobs. — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

Funds are also earmarked for better housing, support to small businesses and sustainable tourism. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 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