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 ultimate package holiday destination, its name was once synonymous with mass tourism, cheap deals and expats seeking sun. — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026

Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought to open more to the world as a business and tourism destination, but the Houthi attacks threaten those efforts. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed has sought to open more to the world as a business and tourism destination, but the Houthi attacks threaten those efforts. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wanted to make his kingdom a magnet for investment, tourism and the world’s biggest sporting events. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 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