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Synonyms

journey

American  
[jur-nee] / ˈdʒɜr ni /

noun

plural

journeys
  1. a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; trip.

    a six-day journey across the desert.

    Synonyms:
    tour, jaunt, excursion
  2. a distance, course, or area traveled or suitable for traveling.

    a desert journey.

  3. a period of travel.

    a week's journey.

  4. passage or progress from one stage to another.

    the journey to success.


verb (used without object)

journeyed, journeying
  1. to make a journey; travel.

    Synonyms:
    peregrinate, rove, roam
journey British  
/ ˈdʒɜːnɪ /

noun

  1. a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage

    1. the distance travelled in a journey

    2. the time taken to make a journey

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (intr) to make a journey

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does journey mean? A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey, though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest. A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.

Related Words

See trip 1.

Other Word Forms

  • journeyer noun
  • outjourney verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of journey

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English journee “day,” from Old French, from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta “a day's time, day's work, etc.,” equivalent to Latin diurn(us) “daily” + -āta, feminine of -ātus -ate 1; -ade 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even though carrying Starship along for the journey would add complexity and cost, the shorter mission timeline could significantly lower overall operational expenses.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

On top of that, space-related stocks are in focus due to NASA’s Artemis II which launched Wednesday, sending four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Nasa's Artemis II mission thundered away from Florida's coast, taking its four crew members on their historic journey to circle the Moon.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Yes, Matsumoto is well aware of Skenes’ journey and inspired by it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

So much had happened to him, he had been so afraid on this journey, that for a while he had actually forgotten his greatest fear.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda