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.
Its next chapter should be measured not only by how many travelers arrive, but by how many families from the region are able to participate in what tourism creates. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026 Three major tourism projects, including the Kansas City Chiefs’ $3 billion stadium, a Buc-ee’s travel center and the Barbie and Hot Wheels theme park dubbed Destination KCK are all in the pipeline for the county’s west end. — Sofi Zeman july 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 Organized by Costa Rica’s Film Commission, its Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Promocomer), and tourism agency Essential Costa Rica, CRMM aims to bolster its position as a key platform for regional projects in the international market. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 13 July 2026 The abrupt departure of companies such as mining company Sherritt International and the SOL by Meliá hotel chain has undermined mining, tourism and energy in Cuba. — Juan Carlos Albarran, The Conversation, 13 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourism. Accessed 15 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of tourism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tourism

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