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

Wenchang, home to one of China’s major rocket launch sites, is known for its space tourism. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Gramado today ranks as the country’s second tourism destination, behind only Rio de Janeiro. — Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026

The association said the agreement was intended to protect cruise tourism while supporting Mexican communities that rely on visitors. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

High-value segments like sports tourism highlight the need to connect fragmented trip components. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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