What does tour mean?
A tour is a journey or visit involving several places, often arranged so that someone can see attractions, attend performances, or learn about a region. The word can also name the itinerary itself or a series of professional appearances, as when an artist is on tour. As a verb, to tour means to travel around a place or perform at a number of venues. The expression is neutral and widely used, although it often implies an organized sequence of stops rather than an unplanned journey. Tour can suggest sightseeing, cultural immersion, promotion, or entertainment, depending on the context. It is also common in professional contexts such as political campaigns, concert tours, and promotional visits. Related forms include the verb forms toured and touring and the nouns tourist and tourism, which generally focus on people traveling or on the activity of traveling for pleasure or business.
A journey or visit to several places, especially one undertaken to see sights, attend performances, or promote something.
"The guided tour included visits to several historic churches."
The noun can refer either to the journey itself or to the organized itinerary of visits and appearances.
To travel around a place or region, visiting locations or giving performances at successive venues.
"The musicians tour small clubs across the country."
The verb is commonly used for performers, public speakers, politicians, and other people making a series of appearances.
This is a countable noun; use “a tour” for one journey and “tours” for multiple journeys.
"The museum offers several tours of the collection."
The word “tour” comes from a tradition of turning: what began as a literal turn became a journey around.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tour come from?
English borrowed tour in the late 16th century from French tour, a word meaning a turn or circuit and ultimately related to Latin tornare, “to turn.” Its development reflects the idea of going around rather than proceeding directly. Related English words include tournament and tourney, which come through Old French forms associated with turning, combat, or contest; tournure also comes from the same French turning tradition.
Related word forms
How tour is actually used
The noun and verb are neutral in register. A tour usually suggests a planned route through several locations, whereas a visit may involve only one place. British and American usage are broadly similar, including the description of a performer's series of engagements.
Easily confused with tour
A tour is a journey or visit to several places, whereas tore is the past tense of tear or the past participle of tear.