journey

[ jur-nee ]

noun

, plural jour·neys.

1. a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; trip:

   a six-day journey across the desert.

   Synonyms: tour, jaunt, excursion

2. a distance, course, or area traveled or suitable for traveling:

   a desert journey.

3. a period of travel:

   a week's journey.

4. passage or progress from one stage to another:

   the journey to success.

verb (used without object)

, jour·neyed, jour·ney·ing.

1. to make a journey; travel.

   Synonyms: peregrinate, rove, roam

journey

/ ˈdʒɜːnɪ /

noun

1. a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage
2. 1. the distance travelled in a journey
   2. the time taken to make a journey

verb

1. intr to make a journey

Derived Forms

• ˈjourneyer, noun

Other Words From

• journey·er noun
• outjourney verb (used with object) outjourneyed outjourneying

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English journee “day,” from Old French, from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta “a day's time, day's work, etc.,” equivalent to Latin diurn(us) “daily” + -āta, feminine of -ātus -ate ¹; -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey¹

C13: from Old French journee a day, a day's travelling, from Latin diurnum day's portion; see diurnal

Synonym Study

See trip ¹.

Example Sentences

"Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey," said Vonn who may look to target a place on the US team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

From BBC

Ultimately, much of the material in the book, including Hughes’ cinematic escape from prison and multiple grueling hunger strikes, was cut so that the Price sisters’ journey of radicalization and regret would take center stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the span of a year, I’ve seen Jurado’s remarkable journey from political long shot to surprise winner to history maker.

From Los Angeles Times

He said it took him months to decide whether to write his memoir, but decided he wanted to help other people who may be able to relate to a journey like his.

From BBC

Potholes and the deteriorating conditions of rural roads are affecting journeys with vulnerable passengers, a transport provider has said.

From BBC

Related Words

• adventure
• campaign
• crossing
• drive
• expedition
• exploration
• hike
• itinerary
• jaunt
• migration
• odyssey
• outing
• passage
• pilgrimage
• progress
• quest
• route
• sojourn
• tour
• travel

What Is The Plural Of Journey?

Plural word for journey

The plural form of journey is journeys (not journies). Words that end with a –y preceded by a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) are made plural by adding an -s at the end, as in chimney/chimneys and monkey/monkeys. 

This can be confusing, because the plural form of words that end with a –y and are preceded by a consonant is made by changing the ending to -ies, as in party/parties, candy/candies, and duty/duties.

More About Journey

What does journey mean?

A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.

The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey, though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest. A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.

The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. 

Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.

Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.

Where does journey come from?

The first records of the word journey come from around the 1200s. It comes from the Middle English word journee, meaning “day,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta, meaning “a day’s time” or “a day’s work.” In English, the meaning of the word journey originally meant something like “a day’s travel,” but eventually came to mean “a long trip.”

A journey can last a day but the word usually refers to longer trips. The word is sometimes preceded with the mode of transportation that’s used, as in The city is reachable only by a long train journey. Discussion of journeys often involves their destination or purpose. When people say, “It’s the journey, not the destination,” they mean that the significance and value of a journey is what happens along the way, from moment to moment, as opposed to the achievement of its ultimate goal.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to journey?

• journeyer (noun)
• outjourney (verb)

What are some synonyms for journey?

• voyage
• trip
• trek
• expedition

What are some words that share a root or word element with journey? 

• journal
• diurnal

What are some words that often get used in discussing journey?

• destination
• epic
• travel
• quest
• adventure
• visit

How is journey used in real life?

Journey is very commonly used in a figurative way.

I ask you to accompany me on my journey to Chile and Peru in your prayers.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 15, 2018

Life is indeed a journey. Successful is he who can navigate the ups and downs without losing his balance. Don’t dwell on your past, don’t wallow in self-pity, don’t repeat your mistakes, don’t focus on negativity, help others along the way, spread kindness wherever you go!

— Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) August 17, 2020

Some people around us will not understand our journey.

They don’t need to; it’s not for them

— Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho) May 4, 2019

 

Try using journey!

Which of the following words is a synonym of journey?

A. voyage
B. trip
C. trek
D. all of the above