tour

[ toor ]

noun

1. a traveling around from place to place.
2. a long journey including the visiting of a number of places in sequence, especially with an organized group led by a guide.

   Synonyms: expedition, trip

3. a brief trip through a place, as a building or a site, in order to view or inspect it:

   The visiting prime minister was given a tour of the chemical plant.

4. a journey from town to town to fulfill engagements, as by a theatrical company or an entertainer:

   to go on tour; a European concert tour.

5. a period of duty at one place or in one job.

verb (used without object)

1. to travel from place to place.

   Synonyms: visit

2. to travel from town to town fulfilling engagements.

verb (used with object)

1. to travel through (a place).

   Synonyms: visit

2. to send or take (a theatrical company, its production, etc.) from town to town.
3. to guide (someone) on a tour:

   He toured us through the chateaus of the Loire Valley.

tour

/ tʊə /

noun

1. an extended journey, usually taken for pleasure, visiting places of interest along the route
2. military a period of service, esp in one place of duty
3. a short trip, as for inspection
4. a trip made by a theatre company, orchestra, etc, to perform in several different places

   a concert tour

5. an overseas trip made by a cricket or rugby team, etc, to play in several places

verb

1. to make a tour of (a place)
2. to perform (a show) or promote (a product) in several different places

Other Words From

• mini·tour noun
• un·toured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tour¹

1250–1300; Middle English (noun) < Middle French < Latin tornus < Greek tórnos tool for making a circle. See turn

Word History and Origins

Origin of tour¹

C14: from Old French: a turn, from Latin tornus a lathe, from Greek tornos; compare turn

Related Words

• cruise
• explore
• swing
• travel