safari

[ suh-fahr-ee ]

noun

, plural sa·fa·ris.

1. a journey or expedition, for hunting, exploration, or investigation, especially in eastern Africa.
2. the hunters, guides, vehicles, equipment, etc., forming such an expedition.
3. any long or adventurous journey or expedition.

verb (used without object)

, sa·fa·ried, sa·fa·ri·ing.

1. to go on a safari.

safari

/ səˈfɑːrɪ /

noun

1. an overland journey or hunting expedition, esp in Africa
2. any recreational journey or expedition
3. the people, animals, etc, that go on the expedition

Word History and Origins

Origin of safari¹

1885–90; < Swahili < Arabic safar journey

Word History and Origins

Origin of safari¹

C19: from Swahili: journey, from Arabic safarīya, from safara to travel

Example Sentences

If you want to see Saturn’s rings and distant galaxies, the Jackson-based nonprofit Wyoming Stargazing offers stargazing safaris.

From Outside Online

Snorkelers can take a guided snorkel safari with Reef Magic Cruises and survey a coral stabilization project installed over a cyclone-damaged coral rubble field.

From Washington Post

Recent gems include a $119,000 one bedroom, one bathroom apartment filled with large safari animal statues—including a giraffe peering into the shower.

From Time

One day, while the others were out on a safari, Ramani and I got talking.

From Quartz

She was fascinated by his stories about the safari he just took in South Africa.

From Washington Post

One of the earliest ticker-tape parades was for Teddy Roosevelt when he returned from an African safari in 1910.

From The Daily Beast

But he fell out of favour when it was revealed he had been on a big-game hunting safari.

From The Daily Beast

A mere 800 travelers are allowed to visit the northern area of the park each year through safari tours, and prices are steep.

From The Daily Beast

Would William support a hunting safari in Africa, whose supporters often make the very same arguments?

From The Daily Beast

Earlier this month the two truly got away from it all when they went on an African safari with Eugenie and her boyfriend.

From The Daily Beast

You start on safari to the railway as soon as possible, or sooner.

From Project Gutenberg

They set out on a leisurely return to the little safari, accompanied for a few miles by the soldierly Zulus.

From Project Gutenberg

A little after noon as they neared the safari they came upon a village which was in great excitement.

From Project Gutenberg

The next morning the safari filed out from the camp, the Masai greeting the inspanning with huge delight.

From Project Gutenberg

"Safari" is itself a Swahili word of Arabic origin, meaning an expedition and all that pertains to it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trek