tour

American  

[toor] / tʊər /

noun

1. a traveling around from place to place.

2. a long journey including the visiting of a number of places in sequence, especially with an organized group led by a guide.

   Synonyms:

   expedition, trip

3. a brief trip through a place, as a building or a site, in order to view or inspect it.

   The visiting prime minister was given a tour of the chemical plant.

4. a journey from town to town to fulfill engagements, as by a theatrical company or an entertainer.

   to go on tour; a European concert tour.

5. a period of duty at one place or in one job.

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verb (used without object)

1. to travel from place to place.

   Synonyms:

   visit

2. to travel from town to town fulfilling engagements.

verb (used with object)

1. to travel through (a place).

   Synonyms:

   visit

2. to send or take (a theatrical company, its production, etc.) from town to town.

3. to guide (someone) on a tour.

   He toured us through the chateaus of the Loire Valley.

tour British  

/ tʊə /

noun

1. an extended journey, usually taken for pleasure, visiting places of interest along the route

2. military a period of service, esp in one place of duty

3. a short trip, as for inspection

4. a trip made by a theatre company, orchestra, etc, to perform in several different places

   a concert tour

5. an overseas trip made by a cricket or rugby team, etc, to play in several places

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verb

1. to make a tour of (a place)

2. to perform (a show) or promote (a product) in several different places

Other Word Forms

• minitour noun
• untoured adjective

Etymology

Origin of tour

1250–1300; Middle English (noun) < Middle French < Latin tornus < Greek tórnos tool for making a circle. See turn

Example Sentences

Now 75 and retired from full-time recording and touring, he has dusted down his guitars to take part in Selkirk Musical Theatre Group's latest show, We Will Rock You.

From BBC

"We actually played this venue in 2024 as part of the tour for my first album," says the singer, who's got a six night residency at London's O2 coming up later this year.

From BBC

The State Department said Robinson visited the department in an unofficial capacity on a tour.

From The Wall Street Journal

After seeing the wonder and respect with which her daughters were treated by many people of the higher classes, Mother Fox agreed to let the tour continue.

From Literature

On 21 September 2002, Clinton boarded Epstein's private jet, and embarked on a whirlwind tour of African countries with several celebrities, according to flight logs.

From BBC

Related Words

• circuit
• course
• cruise
• excursion
• expedition
• outing
• road
• round
• swing
• travel
• trek
• trip