excursion

American  

[ik-skur-zhuhn, -shuhn] / ɪkˈskɜr ʒən, -ʃən /

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.

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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 British  

/ -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

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Other Word Forms

• excursional adjective
• excursionary adjective
• preexcursion noun

Etymology

Origin of excursion

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

Example Sentences

If not, hopefully you mixed in some fun excursions and leave with pleasant memories.

From MarketWatch

One coveted offering is a suite above the Christian Dior flagship store in Paris that can be rented, and includes an after-hours shopping excursion and a private dinner at Monsieur Dior restaurant.

From The Wall Street Journal

The effect that CEOs’ political excursions have on their companies’ fortunes has been debated for years.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the crown jewel of family-friendly resorts, children’s zones risk becoming relics as investment shifts toward amenities that cater to adults: wellness programs, fine dining, cultural excursions and curated experiences.

From MarketWatch

Once the crown jewel of family-friendly resorts, children’s zones risk becoming relics as investment shifts toward amenities that cater to adults: wellness programs, fine dining, cultural excursions and curated experiences.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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