tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the practice of traveling for recreation

2

: the guidance or management of tourists

3

a

: the promotion or encouragement of touring

b

: the accommodation of tourists

Examples of tourism in a Sentence

The city developed the riverfront to encourage tourism.

She has a job in tourism.

Recent Examples on the Web

The islands depend largely on tourism to help fuel their economies. —Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025

For example, The Four Seasons Resort Maui saw an incredible 386% increase in tourism since the first season premiered. —Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

What was cheap became unaffordable; what was sparsely populated became a top destination, crushed by mass tourism; what was a symbol of inclusivity became one of exclusivity. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025

The city expects the high-profile rugby rematch in November to boost tourism by attracting many out-of-town fans — both domestically and internationally. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism

Kids Definition

tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm 

: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling