Word
sightseeing
Phoneticssight·see·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsaɪtˈsiɪŋ/
UK/sˈaɪtsiːɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the activity of visiting famous or interesting places while you are on holiday. You usually do this to see monuments, museums, or beautiful views.
n. the activity of visiting places of interest in a particular location, typically for pleasure or cultural education.
Examples
“We spent the whole day sightseeing in the city center.”
“After a morning of sightseeing at the cathedral, we stopped for lunch at a local bistro.”
“The tour package balances structured sightseeing at historical landmarks with ample free time for travelers to explore the local markets independently.”
Examples
simple
“We spent the whole day sightseeing in the city center.”
contextual
“After a morning of sightseeing at the cathedral, we stopped for lunch at a local bistro.”
complex
“The tour package balances structured sightseeing at historical landmarks with ample free time for travelers to explore the local markets independently.”
Usage
Often used as a gerund noun; frequently pairs with the verb 'go' ('go sightseeing').
Pitfall
We did some sightseeings
We did some sightseeing
Sightseeing is uncountable and does not have a plural form.
Etymology
From sight + seeing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sightseeing