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

The skiers who died in an avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe backcountry are said to have been part of a tight-knit group who often went on ski excursions together.

From BBC

Newsom wrote that his mother seemed to begrudge the excursions when her children returned home.

From Los Angeles Times

And resorts that crave group bookings increasingly cater to mixed abilities, says Craig Burton, chief executive of Active Travel Group, which plans excursions for corporate clients.

From The Wall Street Journal

I remember being thankful for the gifts but jealous of their special excursions.

From Literature

The excursion the cruise line touted the most, though, was a hot new beach club on a 17-acre sliver of Paradise Island.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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