tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce tourism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dozens of Americans were reported missing by Nepal's tourism board as part of hundreds of foreign nationals who were in the area at the time of the flood. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Poramet said the visit is particularly welcome as international tourism has declined worldwide due to soaring gas prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 The Angels deal pushes that footprint south, into Orange County’s market of more than 3 million people, with its own economy, corporate base and tourism draw apart from Los Angeles proper. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The Bain-Altagamma Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study presented in June reported that personal luxury goods spending should grow at least 1 percent and possibly as high as 6 percent this year depending on how world affairs and tourism develop. — David Moin, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tourism

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tourism was in 1811

Rhymes for tourism

See All Rhymes for tourism

Browse Nearby Words

touring car
tourism
tourist
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Cite this Entry

“Tourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourism. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tourism

noun
tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce tourism (audio)
: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling

More from Merriam-Webster on tourism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tourism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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