tourist

American  

[toor-ist] / ˈtʊər ɪst /

noun

1. a person who is traveling, especially for pleasure.

2. tourist class.

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adverb

1. in tourist-class accommodations, or by tourist-class conveyance.

   to travel tourist.

tourist British  

/ ˈtʊərɪst /

noun

1. 1. a person who travels for pleasure, usually sightseeing and staying in hotels

   2. ( as modifier )

      tourist attractions

2. a person on an excursion or sightseeing tour

3. a person travelling abroad as a member of a sports team that is playing a series of usually international matches

4. Also called: tourist class.  the lowest class of accommodation on a passenger ship

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adjective

1. of or relating to tourist accommodation

Other Word Forms

• nontourist noun
• touristic adjective

Etymology

Origin of tourist

First recorded in 1770–80; tour + -ist

Example Sentences

Measures have included throttling tourist flights to Japan and pinching Japanese firms’ access to rare-earth minerals and magnets essential for manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

A ban on campervans and motorhomes parking overnight at tourist hotspots on the North Yorkshire coast is set to be made permanent, with councillors meeting later to approve the order.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

It is a popular tourist destination for Iranians thanks to its rare UNESCO-listed rock formations, turquoise waters, mangroves and relaxed atmosphere.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The administration has also put a restriction on the number of foreign nationals who can enter the country by revoking or denying tourist visas, as well as increasing immigration fees.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

As we lay there propped against our packs, a tourist in an unfortunate straw hat, clutching an ice cream, came up and looked us over in a friendly manner.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• sightseer
• traveler
• visitor