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

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

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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)