excursion

noun

ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
1
a
: a going out or forth : expedition
b(1)
: a usually brief pleasure trip
(2)
: a trip at special reduced rates
2
: deviation from a direct, definite, or proper course
especially : digression
needless excursions into abstruse theory
3
: a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis
also : the distance traversed : amplitude
the excursion of a piston

Did you know?

In Latin, the prefix ex- means "out of" and the verb currere means "to run." When the two are put together, they form the verb excurrere, literally "to run out" or "to extend." Excurrere gave rise not only to excursion but also to excurrent (an adjective for things having channels or currents that run outward) and excursus (meaning "an appendix or digression that contains further exposition of some point or topic"). Other words deriving from currere include corridor, curriculum, and among newer words, parkour.

Examples of excursion in a Sentence

They went on a brief excursion to the coast. our weekend excursions have encompassed virtually all parts of our home state
Recent Examples on the Web My itinerary, which was curated with the help of Anantara The Marker Dublin, also includes culinary experiences such as a fishing excursion and a whiskey and Irish coffee masterclass led by Mullins. Christine Burroni, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 There are multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, plus fitness and spa facilities, while the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds offer miles of off-road excursions, a private fishing experience, and courses for clay shooting and archery. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Take in Alaska's glaciers and ice fields from above during this Princess Cruises excursion. Janice Wald Henderson, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2024 She was monitored and captured using a telemetric collar after both excursions and has been paired with two potential mates in captivity during the 2024 breeding season. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024 Amazon excursions are tailored for enthusiasts of the outdoors and those prepared to embrace the wilderness—with its bugs, sweat, hiking and extended periods spent in search of wildlife. Andi Cross, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Arrange some classic island excursions, such as snorkeling, private boat trips with companies such as Seaduced, or visits to local attractions like the spectacular Hunte's Gardens and Rihanna's childhood home. Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Whether your passion is surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or exploring the coast by boat, the guides and instructors will shape an excursion that excites and delights you. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Spring breakers should be wary of Mexican excursions as cartel violence and unregulated, powerfully laced drugs threaten popular resort towns like Cancun, according to a warning by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excursion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin excursion-, excursio, from excurrere

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of excursion was circa 1587

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Dictionary Entries Near excursion

Cite this Entry

“Excursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excursion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
1
a
: a short trip for pleasure
b
: a trip at special reduced rates
2
: a wandering off from the subject : digression
Etymology

from Latin excursio, excursion- "a going out," from excurrere "to run out, make an excursion, extend," from ex- "out, forth" and currere "to run" — related to current

Medical Definition

excursion

noun
ex·​cur·​sion ik-ˈskər-zhən How to pronounce excursion (audio)
1
a
: a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis
excursion of the femur
b
: the distance traversed
2
: one complete movement of expansion and contraction of the lungs and their membranes (as in breathing)

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