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

Enjoy walking tours, a jigsaw puzzle contest, cider and doughnuts, a scavenger hunt, bike tours, live music, fudge making, nature hike, a mural, pumpkin carving, s'mores, photo sessions, watercolor class, Fort Mackinac cannon firing and more, the tourism bureau said. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025

The change also aligned with the WHO’s guidelines for naming diseases, which emphasize avoiding names that are offensive to cultural groups, or that negatively impact trade, tourism, or animal welfare. —Dr. Nikki Romanik, Time, 1 Oct. 2025

Keeping the Grand Canyon open is important for Arizona's economy and tourism. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025

The business, owned by couple Emily Hobbs and Mickey Bakas, has taken a heavy hit due to the loss of tourism. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 1 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