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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

The Times reported in February that “F.B.I. tactical agents have ferried her to a resort in Britain before a dinner at Windsor Castle and to an appointment at a hair salon in Nashville.”

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

The latest event — billed as a conference and gala luncheon with Trump as the keynote speaker — is scheduled to take place Saturday at the president’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

It also said legal action was a "last resort" where "there is no reasonable alternative".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

We’ll skip some of the usual offenders, such as those nasty resort or destination fees and pool-chair saving.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Between 1980 and 2000, the county's population doubled in size as the coastal areas attracted beach homes and resort properties.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

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