resort

American  

[ri-zawrt] / rɪˈzɔrt /

verb (used without object)

resorts, present (3rd person singular) resorted, past participle, past resorting present participle

1. to have recourse for use, help, or accomplishing something, often as a final available option or resource.

   to resort to war.

2. to go, especially frequently or customarily.

   a beach to which many people resort.

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noun

1. a place to which people frequently or generally go for relaxation or pleasure, especially one providing rest and recreation facilities for vacationers.

   a popular winter resort.

2. habitual or general going, as to a place or person.

3. use of or appeal to some person or thing for aid, satisfaction, service, etc.; resource.

   to have resort to force;

   a court of last resort.

4. a person or thing resorted to for aid, satisfaction, service, etc.

resort British  

/ rɪˈzɔːt /

verb

1. (usually foll by to) to have recourse (to) for help, use, etc

   to resort to violence

2. to go, esp often or habitually; repair

   to resort to the beach

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noun

1. a place to which many people go for recreation, rest, etc

   a holiday resort

2. the use of something as a means, help, or recourse

3. the act of going to a place, esp for recreation, rest, etc

4. the last possible course of action open to one

resort Idioms  

1. see last resort.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• resorter
  noun
• preresort
  verb (used without object)

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have resorted
  perfect
• has resorted
  perfect 3rd person singular
• am resorting
  progressive 1st person singular
• are resorting
  progressive
• have been resorting
  perfect progressive
• resorts
  singular 3rd person
• is resorting
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been resorting
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• resorting
  participle

Past

• had resorted
  perfect
• was resorting
  progressive singular
• resorted
  participle
• had been resorting
  perfect progressive
• resorted
  simple
• were resorting
  progressive plural

Future

• will resort
  simple
• will have resorted
  perfect
• will have been resorting
  perfect progressive
• will be resorting
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of resort

First recorded in 1325–75; (for the verb) Middle English resorten, from Old French resortir, from re- re- + sortir “to go out, leave, escape” (perhaps ultimately from Latin sortīrī “to draw lots”); noun derivative of the verb

Explanation

The noun resort means "turning to something or someone else for assistance." You tried everything to figure out your math homework on your own, so asking your dad for help was your last resort. Resort, pronounced "re-ZORT," is also a verb that means "to adopt a course of action to improve your situation." It's when you use that last resort: if you can't convince your mom to let you go rock-climbing, you will resort to begging. Resort also means a fancy hotel, usually in a very scenic location, or a place you go often — when your friends didn't know where you were, they checked your resorts: the gym and the park.

Example Sentences

This could include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for companies which do not comply.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Meaning he won’t spend the time between now and Nov. 3 at some swank beach resort, sipping one of those colorful cocktails with a little paper parasol while musing over his inaugural address.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

They are also bothered by a 9.75% historical preservation fee instituted at the resort and club.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

The blunder was made by Rahmi Koc at the opening of a hospital in the western resort city of Izmir late Friday, but when the footage started circulating online it caused a backlash.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

“I can’t believe I have to resort to this.”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• camp
• harbor
• hideaway
• hotel
• inn
• lodge
• motel
• park
• retreat
• spot