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

Automakers, the aftermarket performance and racing industries, tourism, general outdoor equipment industries; the list goes on. —Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

Specifically, the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors tend to benefit the most. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

Japan broke a record for tourism in 2024, with people from all over the world visiting the island nation. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025

The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city’s sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 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