excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən 

1

a

: a going out or forth : expedition

b(1)

: a usually brief pleasure trip

(2)

: a trip at special reduced rates

2

: deviation from a direct, definite, or proper course

especially : digression

needless excursions into abstruse theory

3

: a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis

also : the distance traversed : amplitude

the excursion of a piston

Did you know?

In Latin, the prefix ex- means "out of" and the verb currere means "to run." When the two are put together, they form the verb excurrere, literally "to run out" or "to extend." Excurrere gave rise not only to excursion but also to excurrent (an adjective for things having channels or currents that run outward) and excursus (meaning "an appendix or digression that contains further exposition of some point or topic"). Other words deriving from currere include corridor, curriculum, and among newer words, parkour.

Synonyms

• jaunt
• junket
• outing
• ramble
• sally
• sashay
• sortie
• spin

Examples of excursion in a Sentence

They went on a brief excursion to the coast.

our weekend excursions have encompassed virtually all parts of our home state

Recent Examples on the Web

The resort also offers a Kids Club with half-day excursions that include jungle ecology lessons and wildlife spotting. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024

Safari from a cruise Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024

The club raised $1,200 for their excursions at a recent Bart Hall show that featured fishing, boating and hunting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024

The all-inclusive experience can include spa treatments, snorkeling, boating excursions, and exploring the property’s wildlife habitats. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024

Try sunrise yoga, water activities and dolphin excursions or treat yourself to a treatment at the spa, such as the three-algae facial. —Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024

Hugo’s loaded night also includes serving as a team flag bearer during pregame introductions, on top of the several excursions through the crowd, jokingly shunning fans in opposing jerseys before reluctantly giving them high fives or playfully posing for pictures. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024

Caregivers would take him on excursions to the Santa Monica Pier. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024

Amenities include a spacious pool and hot tubs, a full-service spa, casual dining at Gus' Grill and drinks at Breezer's Tiki Bar (both offering waterfront views), plus an on-site marina and dive shop offering excursions to swim with dolphins, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, or paddleboarding. —Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən 

1

a

: a short trip for pleasure

b

: a trip at special reduced rates

2

: a wandering off from the subject : digression

Etymology

from Latin excursio, excursion- "a going out," from excurrere "to run out, make an excursion, extend," from ex- "out, forth" and currere "to run" — related to current

Medical Definition

excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən 

1

a

: a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis

excursion of the femur

b

: the distance traversed

2

: one complete movement of expansion and contraction of the lungs and their membranes (as in breathing)