excursion
ik-SKUR-zhuhn
/ɪkˈskɜːrʒən/
A short journey or trip, especially one taken as a leisure activity.
Usually implies a brief, organized departure from a main base or a primary trip (e.g., a day trip from a cruise ship).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'excursio,' meaning 'a running out' or 'digression,' formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'currere' (to run). It originally referred to military sorties or rhetorical departures before settling into its modern recreational meaning.
Word relationships
- outing: An outing is very informal and usually close to home, while an excursion often involves travel to a specific point of interest farther away.
- staycation: Staying at home or near home rather than taking trips.
Commonly confused with
- expedition: An expedition is a long, difficult journey made for a specific purpose like exploration or research, whereas an excursion is short and purely for pleasure.
Word family
- excursions (noun): Plural form of excursion.
Collocations
- day excursion
- weekend excursion
- go on an excursion
- guided excursion
Example sentences
- "During our cruise, we booked a day-long excursion to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii." A day trip during a vacation
Memory hook
An excursion is an 'ex-course-run'—running off your main course for a quick, fun side trip. A quick run off the beaten path.
When not to use
Do not use for long-term migrations, business relocations, or routine daily commutes.
Fun facts
- The first commercial excursion train was organized by Thomas Cook in 1841, carrying 570 temperance campaigners for a short day trip in England.
Related words
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