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

She and her mother bought tickets for $750 apiece, as part of a package including a two-night stay at the Venetian Resort, and each is likely to spend another $500 for round-trip airfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The termination notice comes nearly a year after Affinity Gaming ended 24/7 operations at Buffalo Bill’s Resort on July 6.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Resort guests would be able to pay with and exchange cryptocurrencies on site, and holders of AB’s own token would enjoy exclusive discounts, AB said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

“Located just minutes from Meadowood Resort and downtown Saint Helena, this Napa Valley estate promises a lifestyle of luxury, privacy, and sophistication, perfectly suited for those seeking the ultimate in resort-style living,” adds the listing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Remember the boxing gloves you gave us, and the swimming pool at Dukes Happy Holiday Resort?

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

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