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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

But this trek — at least 100 miles — wasn’t some bucket list excursion or “only in L.A.”

From Los Angeles Times

Foolhardily, defying Nasser’s caution, Sara offers Fadi $1,000 for an excursion into the “terror tunnels,” certain this will give her a proper story to write rather than what she terms “monkey journalism.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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