excursion meaning collins dictionary

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Definition of excursion

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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

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

Latin excursion-, excursio , from excurrere

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Dictionary Entries Near excursion

excursional

Cite this Entry

“Excursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excursion. Accessed 8 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of excursion.

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

Medical definition of excursion, more from merriam-webster on excursion.

Nglish: Translation of excursion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of excursion for Arabic Speakers

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Definition of excursion noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• on an excursion They've gone on an excursion to York.
• There are regular weekend excursions throughout the summer.
• a business trip
• a five-minute trip by taxi
• a long and difficult journey across the mountains
• a tour of Bavaria
• the first expedition to the South Pole
• We went on an all-day excursion to the island.
• The children were on a day’s outing from school.
• We had a day out at the beach.
• a(n) foreign/​overseas trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition
• a bus/​coach/​train/​rail trip/​journey/​tour
• to go on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion/​outing/​day out
• to set out/​off on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• to make a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• destination
• Our ship offers 13 different excursions.
• Princess Tours runs independent excursions from selected hotels.
• We decided to make an all-day excursion to the island.
• We signed up for a shore excursion to New Orleans.
• Optional excursions include a tour of the ancient city and a day's horse-riding.
• take (somebody on)
• excursion into
• excursion to

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Definition of excursion – Learner’s Dictionary

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(Definition of excursion from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of excursion

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ex·cur·sion

Ex•cur•sion.

A journey is the process of travelling from one place to another by land, air, or sea.

A trip is the process of travelling from one place to another, staying there, usually for a short time, and coming back again.

A voyage is a long journey from one place to another in a ship or spacecraft.

An excursion is a short trip made either as a tourist or in order to do a particular thing.

You make or go on a journey.

You take or go on a trip.

You make a voyage.

You go on an excursion.

Be Careful! Don't use 'do' with any of these words. Don't say, for example, ' We did a bus trip '.

• alarums and excursions
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• excretory organ
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• Excruciable
• excruciating
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• excruciation
• Excubitorium
• exculpation
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• excursion rate
• excursion ticket
• excursion train
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• excursionize
• Excuse me, that's my seat
• Excuse me, which bus goes to ...?
• exculpating
• exculpations
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• exculpatory clause
• Exculpatory evidence
• Excuria Recovery Services, LLC
• Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base
• Excursion Limit
• Excursion liner
• Excursion Maximum
• Excursion of Suspension
• excursion steamer
• Excursion train
• Excursion trains
• excursionise
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• Excursions Maritimes Tropéziennes
• excursively
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excursion noun

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What does the noun excursion mean?

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun excursion , six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

excursion has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun excursion ?

How is the noun excursion pronounced, british english, where does the noun excursion come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun excursion is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for excursion is from 1574, in the writing of John Whitgift, archbishop of Canterbury.

excursion is a borrowing from Latin.

It is derived from Latin excursiōn-em .

Nearby entries

• exculpation, n. a1715–
• exculpative, adj. a1832–
• exculpatory, adj. 1781–
• excur, v. 1656–
• excuriate, v. 1656–76
• excuriation, n. 1658
• excurrency, n. 1650–
• excurrent, adj. 1605–
• excurse, n. 1587
• excurse, v. 1748–
• excursion, n. 1574–
• excursion, v. 1792–
• excursional, adj. 1848–
• excursionary, adj. 1769–
• excursioner, n. 1786
• excursionism, n. 1886–
• excursionist, n. 1829–
• excursionize, v. 1827–
• excursive, adj. 1673–
• excursively, adv. 1791–
• excursiveness, n. 1753–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for excursion, n..

excursion, n. was first published in 1894; not yet revised.

excursion, n. was last modified in September 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into excursion, n. in September 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1894)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View excursion, n. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for excursion, n., browse entry.

cruise,detour,digression,hike,outing,spin,tour

eb68db_554395b49c2145229afb25ed2d8854c0.mp3

trip, stay, hiatus, rest

expedition,jaunt,ramble

Dictionary definition of excursion

A short trip or journey, usually for pleasure or a specific purpose. "She went on an excursion to the nearby city to explore the museums."

Detailed meaning of excursion

It can be a day trip or a longer trip, but it is usually a temporary departure from one's usual routine or place of residence. Excursions can be organized by travel agencies, schools, or other groups, and can include activities such as sightseeing, hiking, or visiting historical or cultural sites. It can also refer to a deviation or a departure from a main course of action or a usual path, as in a excursion from a topic in a conversation or from a main subject in a book. In general, the term implies that there is a short trip or journey, usually for pleasure or a specific purpose, whether it's a day trip or a longer trip, and that it can include different activities, and that it's a temporary departure from one's usual routine or place of residence.

Example sentences of excursion

1. We went on a thrilling mountain excursion during our vacation. 2. The school organized a field excursion to the local museum. 3. I booked an excursion to explore the coral reefs while visiting the island. 4. The excursion to the national park offered breathtaking views of the scenery. 5. The tour guide provided interesting facts during our city excursion. 6. We enjoyed a relaxing boat excursion along the river.

History and etymology of excursion

The noun 'excursion' traces its origins back to the Latin word 'excursio,' which is derived from the verb 'excurrere.' 'Excurrere' is a compound of 'ex,' meaning 'out of,' and 'currere,' meaning 'to run.' Thus, the etymology of 'excursion' can be understood as a journey that involves venturing out or running out from one's usual location or routine. Over time, this term found its way into Middle English as 'excursioun' and eventually evolved into the modern English word 'excursion.' This etymology encapsulates the essence of a short journey or trip, often taken for pleasure or a specific purpose, where one temporarily departs from their regular activities or surroundings.

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Further usage examples of excursion

1. The excursion to the historic site gave us insights into the past. 2. The excursion to the amusement park was a highlight of the trip. 3. We signed up for an excursion to visit the ancient ruins. 4. The excursion included a guided hike through the forest. 5. The excursion to the vineyard offered a wine tasting experience. 6. We embarked on an exciting safari excursion to spot wildlife. 7. The excursion to the waterfall allowed us to swim in its refreshing waters. 8. The excursion to the art gallery showcased masterpieces from renowned artists. 9. We took an adventurous ATV excursion through rugged terrain. 10. The excursion to the chocolate factory delighted our taste buds. 11. The excursion to the botanical garden showcased a wide variety of plant species. 12. We joined a guided excursion to explore the underground caves. 13. The excursion to the historical landmark provided a glimpse into the past. 14. We participated in a guided snorkeling excursion to explore the vibrant marine life.

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