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

Explanation

An excursion is taken more for pleasure than for practical reasons. Your business trip, when you spent most of the week waiting in airports and adjusting to different time zones, does not count as an excursion. The Latin root for excursion is excurrere, meaning "to run out." So if you run out for a bit to get some fresh air, you've gone on an excursion. If you leave specifically to buy milk from the corner store and end up swimming in a stream, you've probably taken an excursion into the woods.

Example Sentences

I will never forget sitting in my living room as Armstrong stepped off the Lunar Excursion Module onto the lunar surface.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2023

Prosecutors said Hussain failed to conduct routine inspections on the stretch-style 2001 Ford Excursion.

From BBC • May 17, 2023

Specialty programs like a “Day Out With Thomas,” a Halloween Excursion and the Santa Train are scheduled throughout the year.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2023

Four people were inside a vehicle parked near a Ford Excursion, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2023

Many passages in the "Excursion" attest the transcendental character of the author's faith.

From Transcendentalism in New England A History by Frothingham, Octavius Brooks

Related Words

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