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

The country is also experiencing unprecedented levels of tourism—up 48 percent in 2024 from the year before, per the Japan National Tourism Organization. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Disease could disrupt the tourism industry, which brought 143 million people to the state last year. —Arthur Allen, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025

The diversification push is directing investment, policymaking, and research toward industries like autonomous mobility, culture and tourism, financial services, food security, and health care. —Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025

The project is designed as a unique blend of art, tourism and climate resilience. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism

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