tour of duty

[toor uhv doo-tee, dyoo-tee]

noun

1. a period of military service in a particular theater of war, with a particular unit, or assigned to a particular task.

   He volunteered for two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

2. a period of work or service in a particular role, field, workplace, etc.; tour.

   After a tour of duty in banking, she followed her father into the development company.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tour of duty¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

An Israeli citizen, he was called up as a reservist for a tour of duty with the Israel Defence Forces.

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After a tour of duty in Iraq, Retes moved back to Ventura County this year to find a job and spend more time with his wife and two young children.

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Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: "All officers should expect to return home safely after each tour of duty and we wish Christopher a swift and full recovery."

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While on their tour of duty, the judges decide on FBI requests to wiretap alleged foreign spies.

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Luke Shipman never remembered the nights he was screaming in terror after a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

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Related Words

• enlistment 
• hitch 
• stint