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

Domestically, the pivot has translated to a crackdown on immigration and even tourism, drawing criticism that Takaichi is encouraging xenophobia. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Ski resorts hope to bounce back Paltry snow across the American West last winter dealt a crippling blow to resort towns whose economies depend heavily on tourism. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

As such, more than 60 percent of nominators identified opportunities for heritage sites to support local economies through sustainable tourism, urban revitalization, and job creation. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Located 20 minutes from the airport, in an area of Bali increasingly dominated by luxury tourism, Jimbaran Bay has maintained its high quality—in service and facilities alike—for three decades. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tourism

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

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