What does resort mean?
“Resort” commonly denotes a place chosen for holidays, relaxation, or recreation, such as a seaside resort, mountain resort, or spa resort. It can also refer to a means of resolving a difficult situation, especially in the expression “a last resort.” As a verb, “resort” means to return to a place, but it is more commonly used in the construction “resort to,” meaning to turn to a particular action or method when other options are unavailable. That expression often suggests desperation, coercion, or a lack of alternatives: someone may resort to deception, violence, or drastic measures. The word’s historical meaning of returning or going back survives in both its literal sense and the broader idea of turning toward a solution. “Resort” is therefore useful when describing both leisure travel and the choices people make under pressure.
A place that people visit for holidays, recreation, or relaxation; also, a means or option used to deal with a difficult situation.
"The island is a popular holiday resort, and many hotels are available as a last resort if the weather turns poor."
The meaning “a place for holidays or recreation” is dominant in everyday use. The meaning “a means or option” is especially common in the phrase “a last resort.”
To return to a place, or to turn to a particular action or means because it is the available or necessary option.
"The delegation resorted to public appeals after private negotiations had stalled."
“Resort to” often carries a negative connotation, suggesting desperation, coercion, or inadequate alternatives. The literal sense of returning to a place is less common in modern usage.
The plural is used for multiple holiday destinations or for multiple available means or options.
"The region offers several coastal resorts, but some remain expensive even during the off-season."
Resort began as a word for returning, and its modern meaning still carries the idea of turning back to a place—or a practical solution—after difficulties arise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resort come from?
The word comes through Old French resortir, meaning “to return” or “to go back,” from Latin resurgere, a combination of re- “again” and surgere “to rise.” Latin-derived forms such as “resurgent” and “resurgence” preserve the related idea of rising again. The English word originally referred to returning to a place, before developing the sense of a place to which one goes for recreation and the figurative sense of turning to an alternative.
Related word forms
How resort is actually used
The phrase “resort to” usually has a negative or problem-solving connotation, as in “resort to force.” In the phrase “a last resort,” the word means a remaining option when others have failed. Pronunciation varies between American English, with an r-colored final syllable, and British English, where the final syllable is typically non-rhotic.
Easily confused with resort
A resort is commonly a holiday destination or a course of action, whereas a resource is a supply of something useful that can be used to achieve an aim.