excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
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.

Example Sentences

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 While Iceland cruises are certainly expensive on their own, their rates typically include meals (and sometimes alcohol), excursions, and, of course, lodging. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2023 Professional dog-walking service for one ‘downtown excursion’ each day of your stay. oregonlive, 10 May 2023 On spring breaks, her father would join them for excursions to Disneyland and snow skiing. Arkansas Online, 30 Apr. 2023 After a few important excursions to Bone Town, PECSA, and the Franklin Institute, the students and teachers of Abbott Elementary are finally starting the journey to season 3. Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 21 Apr. 2023 In addition to the white sandy beach, the family-friendly resort offers surfing and paddle board lessons, scavenger hunts, age-appropriate movies in the screening room, croquet clinics, babysitting services, special holiday happenings, and excursions to local attractions. Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 Enjoy an afternoon excursion with the Farmstead Field School, or sign up for one of Blackberry Farm’s events and retreats, consisting of diverse wellness workshops and cooking demonstrations led by renowned culinary guests. Alyssa Girdwain, Women's Health, 7 Apr. 2023 Delight in a kayaking, hiking, or swimming excursion at the stunning Mljet National Park. James Barrett, Men's Health, 6 Apr. 2023 Later, excursions were organized more regularly for IDPs who needed emotional recovery and wanted to learn more about the city. Carole Rosenblat, CNN, 2 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excursion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of excursion was circa 1587

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Dictionary Entries Near excursion

Cite this Entry

“Excursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excursion. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
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 How to pronounce excursion (audio)
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)

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