resort

American  

[ri-zawrt] / rɪˈzɔrt /

verb (used without object)

1. to have recourse for use, help, or accomplishing something, often as a final available option or resource.

   to resort to war.

2. to go, especially frequently or customarily.

   a beach to which many people resort.

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noun

1. a place to which people frequently or generally go for relaxation or pleasure, especially one providing rest and recreation facilities for vacationers.

   a popular winter resort.

2. habitual or general going, as to a place or person.

3. use of or appeal to some person or thing for aid, satisfaction, service, etc.; resource.

   to have resort to force;

   a court of last resort.

4. a person or thing resorted to for aid, satisfaction, service, etc.

resort British  

/ rɪˈzɔːt /

verb

1. (usually foll by to) to have recourse (to) for help, use, etc

   to resort to violence

2. to go, esp often or habitually; repair

   to resort to the beach

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noun

1. a place to which many people go for recreation, rest, etc

   a holiday resort

2. the use of something as a means, help, or recourse

3. the act of going to a place, esp for recreation, rest, etc

4. the last possible course of action open to one

resort Idioms  

1. see last resort.

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Other Word Forms

• preresort verb (used without object)
• resorter noun

Etymology

Origin of resort

First recorded in 1325–75; (for the verb) Middle English resorten, from Old French resortir, from re- re- + sortir “to go out, leave, escape” (perhaps ultimately from Latin sortīrī “to draw lots”); noun derivative of the verb

Explanation

The noun resort means "turning to something or someone else for assistance." You tried everything to figure out your math homework on your own, so asking your dad for help was your last resort. Resort, pronounced "re-ZORT," is also a verb that means "to adopt a course of action to improve your situation." It's when you use that last resort: if you can't convince your mom to let you go rock-climbing, you will resort to begging. Resort also means a fancy hotel, usually in a very scenic location, or a place you go often — when your friends didn't know where you were, they checked your resorts: the gym and the park.

Example Sentences

It’s the absolute goal of every resort operator to satisfy that hankering.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Head of emergency operations in La Gomera Héctor Cabrera told public broadcaster TVE the bus passengers "were staying at a resort" on the island.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

A nation may resort to war only as the result of a dilemma where the only solutions are morally suspect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The blaze at Le Constellation, a bar in the upmarket Alpine resort, broke out in the early hours of January 1 as people celebrated the New Year.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The Garfields made plans to vacation at a hotel in the Elberon section of Long Branch, a beach resort town visited by both Presidents Grant and Hayes.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• camp
• harbor
• hideaway
• hotel
• inn
• lodge
• motel
• park
• retreat
• spot