# tour

/ˈtʊɹ/ (US) · /tˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tour
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a journey to several places

noun · CEFR A2

a trip where you visit many different towns, cities, or countries.

For teachers: a journey through a series of places, often for pleasure or to perform a specific task.

- We went on a ten-day tour of Italy, visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice.
- The delegation embarked on a three-week tour of Southeast Asia to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore new trade opportunities.

### 2. a guided visit

noun · CEFR A2

a short visit to a building or place where someone shows you around.

For teachers: a guided visit to a particular site, building, or institution to learn about its history or function.

- The museum offers a free guided tour every hour.
- The factory tour provided a fascinating insight into the automated assembly process and the company's quality control measures.

### 3. performances or matches

noun · CEFR B1

a series of concerts or sports matches played in different places.

For teachers: a series of professional engagements, such as concerts or sporting events, undertaken by a performer or team in different locations.

- The band is going on a world tour to promote their new album.
- The national cricket team's winter tour of the West Indies was cut short due to unforeseen logistical complications.

### 4. military service

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a period of time spent serving in the military in a specific place.

For teachers: a period of duty or service in a particular location or assignment, typically in a military context.

- He returned home last week after completing a six-month tour in the desert.
- The sergeant was commended for his exceptional leadership during his third tour of duty in the region.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'tour of duty'.

### 5. to travel around

verb · CEFR B1

to travel around a place to see it or to perform.

For teachers: to travel through a region or area, either for pleasure or for professional purposes.

- The theater company will tour the country throughout the summer.
- The researchers spent the autumn touring various remote villages to collect data on local dialects and oral traditions.

## Examples

- We went on a guided tour of the museum.
- The band is currently on a world tour to promote their latest album in twenty different countries.
- The general conducted a formal tour of the military installations to assess the readiness of the troops and the condition of the defensive fortifications along the border.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.