excursion

[ ik-skur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

noun

1. a short trip or outing to some place, usually for a special purpose and with the intention of a prompt return:

   a pleasure excursion; a scientific excursion.

2. a trip on a train, ship, etc., at a reduced rate:

   weekend excursions to mountain resorts.

3. the group of persons making such a journey:

   an excursion of tourists.

4. a deviation or digression:

   excursions into futile philosophizing.

5. Physics. the displacement of a body or a point from a mean position or neutral value, as in an oscillation.
6. an accidental increase in the power level of a reactor, usually forcing its emergency shutdown.
7. Machinery.
   1. the range of stroke of any moving part.
   2. the stroke itself.
8. Obsolete. a sally or raid.

verb (used without object)

1. to go on or take an excursion.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or intended for use on excursions:

   an excursion fare; an excursion bus.

excursion

/ -ʒən; ɪkˈskɜːʃən /

noun

1. a short outward and return journey, esp for relaxation, sightseeing, etc; outing
2. a group of people going on such a journey
3. modifier of or relating to special reduced rates offered on certain journeys by rail

   an excursion ticket

4. a digression or deviation; diversion

   an excursion into politics

5. (formerly) a raid or attack
6. physics
   1. a movement from an equilibrium position, as in an oscillation
   2. the magnitude of this displacement
7. the normal movement of a movable bodily organ or part from its resting position, such as the lateral movement of the lower jaw
8. machinery the locus of a point on a moving part, esp the deflection of a whirling shaft

Other Words From

• ex·cursion·al ex·cursion·ary adjective
• preex·cursion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursion¹

First recorded in 1565–75, excursion is from the Latin word excursiōn- (stem of excursiō ). See excursus, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursion¹

C16: from Latin excursiō an attack, from excurrere to run out, from currere to run

Example Sentences

It’s important that your significant other or family is supportive, since your new obsession will likely become all-consuming, and most of your outdoor excursions will now revolve around searching for animal poop in the woods.

From Outside Online

Insulated, waterproof footwear like the Paninaro Omni-Heat Tall Boot will go a long way in making your snow bike or snowshoe excursion a treat rather than a trial.

From Outside Online

More time outdoors has been great for dialing in our kit for weekend excursions.

From Outside Online

The thought of being able to knock out a three-day excursion with just a single carry-on is tantalizing.

From Outside Online

I’ve spent the past two months testing the pack on a handful of short camp-outs and a seven-day family surf excursion, and the SEG42 delivered the organization I desperately needed.

From Outside Online

It is disappointing and, frankly, frightening that Thompson walked away from his repugnant Sea World excursion scot-free.

From The Daily Beast

Several events specifically cater to kids, making this a fun excursion for the whole family.

From The Daily Beast

I learned a lot about myself on that excursion, and from the trip as a whole.

From The Daily Beast

There was, instead, a nauseating excursion into base and sad fantasies.

From The Daily Beast

While a two-day feeding frenzy makes for a fun excursion, the human body is only capable of so much consumption.

From The Daily Beast

Out gets Uncle David, looking brown and healthy after his northern excursion.

From Project Gutenberg

The other day an excursion was arranged to Sondershausen, a town about three hours' ride from Weimar in the cars.

From Project Gutenberg

We got back to Weimar about eight in the evening, and this delicious excursion, like all others, had to end.

From Project Gutenberg

To my friends ever since I have not failed to recommend the passage of the Butterley tunnel as a desirable pleasure excursion.

From Project Gutenberg

From childhood I had longed to see something of the world, and this excursion to Paris was the first gratification of that wish.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cruise
• expedition
• jaunt
• junket
• outing
• picnic
• round trip
• safari
• tour
• trek
• trip