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

Soon, it will host a new cast of characters: The stars of “The White Lotus,” who will film the fourth season of HBO’s dishy series about entitled guests and desperate staff at a luxury resort.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The 22 players and coaching staff in the "Team Melli" delegation flew into the Turkish resort of Antalya where they could be seen leaving the airport dressed in navy blue tracksuits.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The 22-foot monument — dubbed “Don Colossus” by some online commentators — was commissioned by cryptocurrency investors connected to a memecoin project and installed at Trump’s Florida golf resort earlier this month.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

This brought home to Judith the reason some struggling people resort to thefts, and said her business is trying to do what it can to help.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

During the mid-1800s, an impressive six-story, snow-colored resort called the Greenbrier Hotel was built at the springs.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

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