road trip

American  

[rohd trip] / ˈroʊd ˌtrɪp /

Or road-trip,

noun

1. a long journey, especially one that is recreational or spontaneous, taken in an automobile.

   She met many new friends on her solo road trip around North Wales.

2. a journey taken by a sports team to play away games.

   The second game is the season's first road trip, and will be at San Antonio.

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verb (used without object)

road tripped, road tripping

1. to take a long journey in an automobile, especially recreationally or spontaneously.

   We road tripped to California over summer break.

Etymology

Origin of road trip

First recorded in 1860–65; 1900–05 road trip for def. 2

Example Sentences

Jessica and a friend were set to leave for a long road trip to a fantasy convention in South Bend, Indiana.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

In April, her family will take a staycation in their hometown of Las Vegas, instead of a planned road trip to Yosemite National Park.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

The 24-year-old had hops to put the finishing touches on the Lakers’ successful six-game road trip.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

One of the most calming things you can bring on a road trip is the bedding your dog regularly uses at home, says Dr. Sunny House, a veterinarian at Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic in Arlington, Va.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“Yeah, but not like that. Not like spring break road trip besties,” Anna says, pursing her lips.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli