English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

trip

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈtɹɪp/ UK /tɹˈɪp/ trip UK spelling trip's, trip's, tripped

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a journey to a place and back again, often for pleasure or a specific purpose.

    n.a journey or excursion, typically of relatively short duration, involving a return to the point of origin.

    Simple

    We are planning a business trip to New York next month.

    In context

    The school organized an educational trip to the science museum to supplement the students' physics curriculum.

    Pitfall
    I am going to a trip next week. I am going on a trip next week.

    Use the preposition 'on' with the noun 'trip'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the act of catching your foot on something and almost falling.

    n.an instance of losing one's balance by striking the foot against an object.

    Simple

    A small trip on the uneven pavement was enough to hurt his ankle.

    In context

    A momentary trip on the loose carpet caused her to drop the tray of glasses.

    stumblemisstep
  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    n.the period of time when someone is having hallucinations after taking a drug.

    n.a period of drug-induced altered consciousness or hallucination.

    Simple

    He described the strange visions he had during his bad trip.

    In context

    The novel vividly depicts the protagonist's psychedelic trip through a series of surreal and disjointed metaphors.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.to catch your foot on something and fall or lose your balance.

    v.to catch one's foot on an obstacle and stumble or fall. Often used with 'over' or 'up'.

    Simple

    Be careful not to trip over those cables on the floor.

    In context

    He tripped on the bottom step and narrowly avoided a serious injury by grabbing the handrail.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Engineering

    v.to move a switch or handle that turns a machine or light on or off.

    v.to activate a mechanism, especially a safety switch or an explosive device.

    Simple

    The alarm will trip if anyone tries to open the window.

    In context

    The circuit breaker tripped automatically when the power surge hit the building's electrical system.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced SlangAmerican English

    v.to get very upset or angry about something that is not important.

    v.to react in an exaggerated or irrational manner to a situation.

    Simple

    Stop tripping, I was only five minutes late.

    In context

    He started tripping when he saw the small scratch on his car, even though it was barely visible.

  7. 07 C2 Proficiency Slang

    adj.in card games, having three cards of the same value.

    adj.referring to a hand containing three cards of the same rank.

    Simple

    He won the poker hand with a trip of aces.

    In context

    The player revealed a trip of queens, effectively beating the opponent's high pair.

    set
Don't confuse

trip vs journey vs travel — Travel is the general activity, a journey is the movement from A to B, and a trip is the entire visit including the return.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated