Sojourning — Definition & Meaning

What does sojourning mean?

Sojourning means staying temporarily in a place, particularly as someone visiting, travelling, or working away from their usual home. The word is more formal than 'staying' and often implies a residence lasting from days to months rather than a quick visit. A person engaged in sojourning may be described as a sojourner, and the temporary stay itself is a sojourn. Although the term can suggest an extended or purposeful stay, it does not necessarily imply permanent settlement. Sojourning occurs in literary, cultural, and historical contexts and may evoke travel, expatriate experience, or temporary immersion in another community. Its unusual sound and historical connection with the word 'day' make it especially useful when describing an abroad without the broader implications of emigrating or immigrating.

verb

To stay temporarily in a place, especially as a visitor or traveler.

Senses

To stay temporarily in a place, especially while visiting or working away from one's usual home.

Example

"She spent several months sojourning in Edinburgh while researching Scottish history."

More examples

"After graduating, she spent a year sojourning in Japan."

"The writers sojourned at a quiet cottage near the sea."

Did you know?

Sojourning literally means staying for a while: the word’s roots connect a temporary residence with the passage of days.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does sojourning come from?

The word comes from Old French sojournier, meaning 'to stay' or 'sojourn,' a development associated with jour, the Old French word for 'day.' That French word was borrowed from Latin dies, 'day.' The same broad 'day' root also appears in English cognates such as journey, journal, and adjourn.

journey journal adjourn