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

Meanwhile, he has referred to the war as “an excursion” and “a lovely stay,” yet he is also weighing a complex and risky mission to seize the regime’s uranium, the Journal reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

The entire group, twelve teens from across colonial Canada, were headed out on a cultural excursion.

From Literature

“We’re really very neutral here, waiting to see what path this excursion takes,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even when mother returns from her unexplained excursion to SeaWorld, Maria still must pick up the slack for a woman unable to keep up with the rent despite working multiple jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

Every excursion includes the likelihood of being uncomfortably jostled or, worse, dropped as he’s being transferred to his seat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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