tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce tourism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for tourism

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tourism was in 1811

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourism. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

tourism

noun
tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce tourism (audio)
: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling

More from Merriam-Webster on tourism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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