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 Word Forms

• excursional adjective
• excursionary adjective
• preexcursion 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

She pared her weekly restaurant excursions to once or twice a month.

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Also among the more engaging works are two well-known photographic excursions into the landscape.

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Each year, Williams continued, there are family excursions to local landmarks like Slide Rock State Park.

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After a weeklong excursion in the “Land of the Rising Sun,” a flight to Honolulu followed for a game against the San Francisco 49ers at the newly built Aloha Stadium.

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So Welch limits its three eHGVs to regional excursions within about two hours of the main depot - a radius of 160km.

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Related Words

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