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

Some of the biggest opportunities for Fort Worth include growth in population, growing the technology industry, expanding tourism, becoming more inclusive and diverse, protecting the environment, and creating job opportunities. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

Helpfully, the Adirondacks’ tourism website lists hikes by area, ability level (including family friend hikes), season, and even proximity to a waterfall. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025

California is home to a total of nine national parks, more than any other state in the nation, according to state tourism website Visit California. —Fernanda Galan, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025

What is Blue Origin? Blue Origin flights are space tourism, aiming to give more people the opportunity to travel high above the Earth's surface. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 17 Apr. 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