excursion

[ ik-skur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

noun

1. a short trip or outing to some place, usually for a special purpose and with the intention of a prompt return:

   a pleasure excursion; a scientific excursion.

2. a trip on a train, ship, etc., at a reduced rate:

   weekend excursions to mountain resorts.

3. the group of persons making such a journey:

   an excursion of tourists.

4. a deviation or digression:

   excursions into futile philosophizing.

5. Physics. the displacement of a body or a point from a mean position or neutral value, as in an oscillation.
6. an accidental increase in the power level of a reactor, usually forcing its emergency shutdown.
7. Machinery.
   1. the range of stroke of any moving part.
   2. the stroke itself.
8. Obsolete. a sally or raid.

verb (used without object)

1. to go on or take an excursion.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or intended for use on excursions:

   an excursion fare; an excursion bus.

excursion

/ -ʒən; ɪkˈskɜːʃən /

noun

1. a short outward and return journey, esp for relaxation, sightseeing, etc; outing
2. a group of people going on such a journey
3. modifier of or relating to special reduced rates offered on certain journeys by rail

   an excursion ticket

4. a digression or deviation; diversion

   an excursion into politics

5. (formerly) a raid or attack
6. physics
   1. a movement from an equilibrium position, as in an oscillation
   2. the magnitude of this displacement
7. the normal movement of a movable bodily organ or part from its resting position, such as the lateral movement of the lower jaw
8. machinery the locus of a point on a moving part, esp the deflection of a whirling shaft

Other Words From

• ex·cursion·al ex·cursion·ary adjective
• preex·cursion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursion¹

First recorded in 1565–75, excursion is from the Latin word excursiōn- (stem of excursiō ). See excursus, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursion¹

C16: from Latin excursiō an attack, from excurrere to run out, from currere to run

Example Sentences

This time of year, he said, there are several nighttime excursions to admire holiday decorations.

From Los Angeles Times

And our ideal climate ensures nearly every excursion by foot will be a sunny one.

From Los Angeles Times

The resort also arranges a variety of excursions for guests.

From Salon

They had flown to Catalina in a Piper Arrow — part lesson, part excursion, True assumed — but had discovered a mechanical issue with their plane during their pre-flight check before heading back to the mainland.

From Los Angeles Times

But when a reporter for the conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group asked how he would make prices drop, Trump’s response was an untethered excursion into magical thinking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cruise
• expedition
• jaunt
• junket
• outing
• picnic
• round trip
• safari
• tour
• trek
• trip