home trip meaning

Understanding the Distinction: Travel, Trip, and Journey Explained

Zackary Hooper

Ever find yourself scratching your head over when to use ‘travel’, ‘trip’, or ‘journey’? Me too. In fact, these terms are commonly misused by even the most well-traveled folks among us.

Table of Contents

As an English language aficionado and travel enthusiast, I dove deep into linguistic resources to clear up this confusion once and for all. This blog will guide you through the nuances of these three words , helping you navigate your way to flawless English usage in any travel context .

Ready for departure?

Key Takeaways

• Travel refers to going to a place, especially far away.
• Trip involves traveling from one place to another, usually for a short period of time.
• Journey implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.
• Proper usage of these terms is essential in effectively conveying our experiences.

Definition and Differences between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel is a verb that means going to a place, especially far away, while trip refers to the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time. Journey, on the other hand, implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.

Travel as a verb meaning to go to a place, especially far away

Travel, as a verb, emphasizes the act of moving from one location to another. This movement often involves significant distance between the two points. For instance, you might say you are traveling to Europe or Asia from America – places that are undoubtedly quite far from each other.

Notably, travel doesn’t always require a return trip; it merely notes the action of going somewhere far . Even voyages into space can be considered travel! So next time you utter “I love to travel,” note that this phrase speaks volumes about your passion for exploring distant destinations and embracing new experiences on a broader geographic scale .

Trip as the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time

When we talk about a trip, we’re referring to the act of traveling from one place to another. It’s usually for a short period of time and involves moving between different locations .

Think of it as going on a vacation or taking a quick getaway. A trip can be as short as a day or extend over several days, but it generally doesn’t involve staying in one place for an extended period.

So whether you’re heading out on a road trip with friends or catching a flight to explore new cities, remember that a trip is all about the process of getting from point A to point B , enjoying the journey along the way.

Journey as traveling from one place to another, not necessarily returning

A journey is all about the experience of traveling from one place to another, without the expectation of returning . It can be a long and exciting adventure, with multiple destinations along the way.

Unlike a trip or travel, which often involves going somewhere and then coming back, a journey implies forward movement and exploration . It’s like embarking on a voyage of discovery, where you’re eager to see what lies ahead and open to new experiences.

Whether it’s backpacking through Europe or sailing around the world, a journey offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-discovery .

Common Uses and Examples of Travel, Trip, and Journey

– Travel: “I love traveling to different countries , experiencing new cultures and exploring exotic destinations.

– Trip: “We took a weekend trip to the beach, enjoying sun-kissed days and relaxing by the seaside.”

– Journey: “His journey across the desert was filled with challenges and self-discovery as he embarked on a soul-searching adventure.”

Travel: “I love to travel to different countries.”

I absolutely adore exploring different countries . Experiencing new cultures, trying unique cuisines , and immersing myself in unfamiliar landscapes is what makes travel so thrilling for me.

Whether it’s wandering through ancient ruins in Greece or hiking through the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica, I find immense joy in venturing beyond my comfort zone and discovering all that the world has to offer.

Travel opens my eyes to different perspectives and allows me to create lasting memories that I cherish forever.

Trip: “We went on a business trip to New York.”

Last week, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to New York . It was an exciting experience that allowed me to explore the bustling city and meet with important clients . During the trip, we visited various companies , attended conferences , and even had some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New York.

Being able to immerse myself in a different environment for a short period of time was both refreshing and educational. Overall, it was a successful trip that helped us strengthen our professional relationships and achieve our business goals.

Journey: “His journey around the world took him three years.”

I embarked on a three-year journey around the world, exploring new cultures and experiencing incredible adventures along the way. From bustling cities to remote villages, my journey allowed me to immerse myself in different landscapes and meet fascinating people from all walks of life.

It was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective on the world.

Clarifying Misuses of Travel, Trip, and Journey

Many people mistakenly use the term “travel” for short distances, but it should be reserved for going to faraway places. To understand the proper usage of these words, read on!

Incorrect uses of travel: “He traveled to the grocery store.”

Using the word “travel” to describe a short trip to the grocery store is incorrect. Travel usually refers to going to a distant place, especially far away. So, it’s important to use this term appropriately and not for everyday local trips like grocery stores.

Proper uses of the terms: “I traveled to Europe.”

I traveled to Europe for my summer vacation. It was an exciting travel experience filled with new cultures, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. The proper use of the term “travel” in this context refers to going somewhere far away , especially to a different country or continent .

In this case, I embarked on an adventure from my home country to Europe, immersing myself in each destination’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Traveling to Europe broadened my horizons and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Understanding the Nuances between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel, trip, and journey may seem similar, but they each have their own nuances. Read on to delve deeper into the distinctions between these terms and how to use them correctly in your everyday conversations.

Travel focuses on the action of going to a distant place.

Travel allows us to embark on exciting journeys to faraway destinations. It is the act of physically moving from one place to another , often to distant locations . Whether it’s exploring a new country , immersing ourselves in different cultures , or experiencing thrilling adventures , travel is all about the exhilarating action of venturing beyond our comfort zones .

So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences!

Trip emphasizes the process of traveling and staying in a place.

A trip is all about the journey itself and the experience of being in a specific place . It focuses on the process of traveling from one location to another, while also emphasizing the time spent staying in that particular place.

Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip to a nearby city or embarking on a week-long vacation, a trip is about immersing yourself in new surroundings and enjoying everything that destination has to offer.

Journey implies a longer and more significant travel experience.

When embarking on a journey, you can expect a more extensive and meaningful travel experience . Unlike a simple trip or travel, a journey often involves exploring multiple destinations or pursuing a specific purpose .

It encompasses the idea of venturing into the unknown and embracing new challenges along the way. Whether it’s an epic road trip across several countries or a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites, a journey offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation .

It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures , navigate unfamiliar terrain, and create lasting memories. So if you’re seeking an adventure that goes beyond mere transportation from point A to point B, set out on a journey that will take you further and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Conclusion and Importance of Using the Correct Terms

Understanding the distinctions between travel , trip, and journey is crucial in accurately conveying our experiences . By using these terms correctly, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion .

So whether we’re embarking on a short trip or a life-changing journey , let’s remember to use the right words to describe our adventures ! Keep exploring and keep traveling!

1. What is the difference between travel, trip, and journey?

Travel refers to the act of going from one place to another, while a trip is a specific instance of traveling for a particular purpose or destination. A journey, on the other hand, implies a longer and more meaningful experience that may involve personal growth or transformation.

2. Can you give examples of each term – travel, trip, and journey?

Sure! Travel can include activities like flying to a different country or taking a road trip across states. A trip could be going on vacation to Disneyland or visiting family over the holidays. And a journey might involve backpacking through Europe for several months or embarking on a spiritual retreat.

3. Is there any overlap between these terms?

Yes, there can be some overlap between these terms depending on context. For example, someone’s “trip” may also be considered their “journey” if it involves self-discovery or exploration. Similarly, long-term travel experiences may encompass both the notions of “travel” and “journey.”

4. How does understanding the distinction between these terms help in communication?

Understanding the distinction between travel, trip, and journey helps in effective communication as it allows us to accurately describe our experiences and intentions when discussing our travels with others. It provides clarity and avoids confusion by using appropriate terminology when sharing stories or making plans involving different types of travel experiences.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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Definition of trip

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Definition of trip  (Entry 2 of 2)

• peregrination

Examples of trip in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English trippen , from Anglo-French treper, triper , of Germanic origin; akin to Old English treppan to tread — more at trap

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 3a

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing trip

• business trip
• lay / put a guilt trip on
• on a power trip
• roll / trip off the tongue
• round - trip ticket
• trip - hammer
• trip the light fantastic

Dictionary Entries Near trip

trioxymethylene

Cite this Entry

“Trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trip. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of trip.

Kids Definition of trip  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on trip

Nglish: Translation of trip for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trip for Arabic Speakers

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Definition of 'trip'

Video: pronunciation of trip

trip in British English

Trip in american english, trip in american english, trip in american english 1, trip in american english 2, examples of 'trip' in a sentence trip, cobuild collocations trip, trends of trip.

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Definition of trip verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• She tripped and fell.
• trip over/on something Someone will trip over that cable.
• I tripped over my own feet and fell down the stairs.
• (figurative) I was tripping over my words in my excitement to tell them the news.
• (figurative) Lawyers were tripping over each other (= competing with each other in a hurried way) to get a piece of the action.
• trip over/up Be careful you don't trip up on the step.
• She tripped on the loose stones.
• One of the boys tripped over and crashed into a tree.
• accidentally
• trip and fall

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The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

We're partnering with Capital One to launch our new Purposeful Travel Hub . If you have unique ways you like to pay it forward when you travel or just love exploring new places with family and friends, we want to hear about it. Share your most treasured travel moments and purposeful travel tips with us using #MeaningfulMoments .

Looking to bring back something from your travels besides a tan and a few kitschy souvenirs? It's possible to create meaningful, unforgettable moments while traveling, even if you can't dedicate an entire trip to volunteering in Ghana or meditating at an ashram in India. There are easy ways to add purpose to an already-planned trip, even if that trip is primarily about relaxing on vacation.

1. Read About Your Destination

Literature is a wonderful way to learn about a particular place before your visit. Whether it be fiction, memoir or even a guidebook, understanding the history, culture and traditions of your destination can really enhance your trip — and help you forge a deeper connection with a land and its people prior to arrival.

(Photo by Hitoshi Suzuki via Unsplash)

Before a trip to see the famed temples at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I dug into a copy of "Tomb Raider." But I also read a biography by Loung Ung, who described her experience as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge years. Understanding the regime and how these tragedies affected the country and its citizens gave me an entirely new outlook on the culture and its resilience, enriching my trip even further.

2. Meet the Locals

Talking to locals can help you develop a far more nuanced understanding of a destination. Even if you trip is to an all-inclusive resort, it's important to take time to talk to people at the local markets, to ask your tour guide questions about local customs and chat with resort staff, many of whom live in the city or region you're visiting.

Several years ago, I was invited to dine with a local family in Mandalay, Myanmar after chatting to a local who rented me a bicycle. Tourism was relatively new at the time, and locals were excited to interact with visitors. Sitting on pillows on the floor of their hut by the river; eating oily curry and rice with my fingers; chatting in broken English; watching their children laugh and play was an intimate experience I'll never forget.

You don't have to end up in a family home to meet locals, of course. Simply initiating conversation with your taxi driver can be a fun way to find out colorful information about the destination you're visiting.

3. Learn the Language

Obviously, this can be difficult, especially if you're traveling to a country with a complicated or less common language. But it's very special to see people's eyes light up — and smiles widen — when you attempt to say even a word or two in their language.

When traveling in Laos, I learned how to say a couple words in Lao: thank you, good morning and goodbye. While I felt a little silly saying them at first (I'm sure my pronunciation was horrendous), the locals were thrilled I had taken the time to try and, as a result, treated me with even more kindness, telling me stories and personal anecdotes, even introducing me to their family members or sharing their snacks with me, which gave me immense insight to the Lao way of life and made me forge a more personal connection with Laos.

Download a language app such as Duolingo so you can brush up on your vocabulary and practice pronunciation.

4. Stay, Eat and Shop Local

Using points at brand hotels around the world is a great way to save money and redeem rewards on travel. But consider spending cash on a stay at a boutique hotel, B&B or homestay for at least one night instead. Doing so supports the local economy even more, and can also give you a better look at how locals live and work, too.

5. Lend a Hand

You don't have to plan a whole voluntourism trip to give back during your travels. With organizations such as Pack For a Purpose , you can identify items that are needed in local communities (think: school or medical supplies), bring them in your suitcase and drop them off at various hotels or schools at your chosen destination.

Meanwhile, Give A Day Global helps connect travelers with one-day volunteer opportunities all over the world. And some hotels offer volunteer opportunities where you can help out with conservation programs, animal protection or work at local schools for an afternoon. Remember, it's not about quantity, it's about quality. And a little help can go a long way.

6. Go Beyond Tourist Centers — Responsibly

There may be plenty to see in the city center, but make an effort to go off-the-beaten path, to communities that haven't yet been commercialized or influenced by tourism.

If you decide to do a tour, opt for one that explores less-frequented areas. For example, Comuna 13 Grafitti Tours in Medellín, Colombia take travelers through an area of the city, the 13th District, that many tourists don't get to see. Tourists are encouraged to interact with the residents while respecting the local community. You may even get to meet some of the artists who've contributed to the vibrant street art scene.

(Photo by Fancycrave via Unsplash)

7. Ride Public Transport

Riding the bus or metro with locals is a great way to embrace the vibes of your destination — and get from A to B quickly, too

During a recent trip to Sri Lanka, I took the bus from Sigiriya to see the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. Not only did I save almost $30 by taking the bus (which cost just a couple dollars roundtrip) instead of a private car or tuk tuk, but I was thrown straight into Sri Lankan society. The colorful lights flashing over the Buddhist statues on the bus and the Hindi music blaring added to the fun, and I even saw a few wild elephants out of the window during the hour-long adventure.

8. Travel More Slowly

While it may be tempting to squeeze a couple countries or cities into your weeklong adventure, consider traveling more slowly to really get a feel for the destination. To truly experience a city — its people, its culture — take your time, and don't rush.

Every day, make an effort to think about where you are, why you're there and how lucky you are to be able to travel. This will give you a whole new outlook on the journey. Plus, you'll actually feel rested and relaxed after your trip.

Carla Sánchez , co-founder of Secret Yoga Club and The Holistic Concept who guides yoga and meditation retreats and workshops around the world, told TPG that, "Time is valuable and we are always in a rush in our daily life. Slowing down your travel allows you to enjoy and find meaning in every single detail and experience — a true luxury!"

9. Take a Solo Trip

Traveling alone for the first time can be intimidating. You may not want to experience a place alone, or feel guilty for not bringing your partner or family along. But taking a solo trip can be incredibly rewarding, granting you time — and solitude — to reflect on yourself, on the place you're visiting and on why you love to travel in the first place. Even a few days on your own can bring real perspective to your trip — and you may very well find that you make lifelong friends along the way.

10. Get Out Into Nature

Even if you're visiting a busy metropolis, getting outside of the city into nature — even just for a day trip — can be really special. If you can't get out of the city, try instead to build in time for a picnic in a city park or botanical garden. Seeing nature's wonders, be they modest groves of trees or grand waterfalls, can remind you that beauty is everywhere.

11. Put Down Your Phone

The last, but possibly most important way to add meaning to every trip you take, is to put down your phone, live in the moment and truly experience your destination. While it can be tempting to photograph everything or document your time on social media, it can be a distraction.

Test yourself by shutting off your phone or leaving it in the hotel safe, even for just an hour or two, to get the most out of your travels. If you're worried you'll forget an epic experience without a chance to photograph it, take a camera along or, better yet, a pen and notepad, so you can document your adventures by hand. It may be just the therapeutic escape you need.

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Travel, Trip or Journey?

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In today’s Ask a Teacher, our reader Leopoldo asks about three commonly confused travel words. Here is the question:

Hi! Can you explain when it is correct to use "trip," "journey" or "travel"? Thank you for your answer. – Leopoldo

Hello, Leopoldo!

Are you traveling anytime soon? If so, where are you going on your trip ? I hope the journey goes smoothly and that you have a great time.

Did you note how I used the words? I used “travel” as a verb and the other two words as nouns. That is how we use them most often.

Now, we will explore each word, beginning with “travel.”

“Travel” is a verb that means “to go to a place and especially one that is far away.” Far can mean long distances within the same country or to other countries.

For instance: I have a friend who travels abroad a lot for work.

“Travel” can also be a noun that relates to the act or activity of traveling in general. For instance: The future of U.S. travel is not likely to include high-speed rail.

A common mistake with “travel” is confusing it with “trip,” like this: I bought this souvenir on my travel to California.

We rarely use “travel” with “my,” “your,” “a” or other determiners .

The word “trip” is a noun that means “the act of going to another place and returning.” For example: I bought this souvenir on my trip to California.

We also often use the verbs “go on” or “take” with “trip,” like this: I took a long trip to California last year.

And, we say things like “day trip,” “business trip,” and “road trip” to describe different kinds of trips.

We do not use the word as a verb for travel.

The word “journey” is a noun that means “the act of going from one place to another.”

But, we use it in two specific ways:

One is to talk about a trip that takes a long time, especially if there are either difficulties or discoveries in transit. For instance:

I hope to take a journey across America by car one day.

The other is to talk about a trip that does not involve physical distance, but instead is a process of learning or self-discovery, as in this:

A 10-day vipassana is a kind of spiritual journey.

We rarely use “journey” as a verb except in some styles of writing.

And that’s Ask a Teacher.

I’m Alice Bryant.

Do you have a question for Ask a Teacher? Write to us in the comments area and tell us your name and country. If you would like, you can also tell us one thing about yourself.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

abroad – adv . in or to a foreign country

souvenir – n . something that is kept as a reminder of a place you have visited or an event you have been to

determiner – n . a word that comes before a noun and is used to show which thing is being referred to

vipassana – n . meditation involving concentration on the body or its sensations, or the insight which this provides

Also, Too and As Well

The Rules of Word Stress, Part 2

The Rules of Word Stress, Part 1

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Meaning of trip in English

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trip noun ( TRAVEL )

• You should always check your oil , water and tyres before taking your car on a long trip.
• How about a trip to the zoo this afternoon ?
• She's going on a trip to New York, all expenses paid .
• The travel company has written giving information about the trip.
• He's always going off around the world on business trips, leaving his wife to cope with the babies by herself.
• break-journey
• circumnavigation

trip noun ( FALL )

• collapse under someone's/something's weight
• collapse/fall in a heap idiom
• drop like flies idiom
• knock someone over
• let go idiom
• overbalance
• parachutist
• trip (someone) up

trip noun ( EXPERIENCE )

• abstinence-only
• non-intoxicant
• non-intoxicating
• pill-popping
• solvent abuse
• substance abuse

trip verb ( LOSE BALANCE )

• fall She slipped and fell.
• drop Several apples dropped from the tree.
• collapse Several buildings collapsed in the earthquake.
• crumple He fainted and crumpled into a heap on the floor.
• tumble A huge rock tumbled down the mountain.
• plunge Four of the mountaineers plunged to their deaths when their ropes broke.
• The bowler tripped as he was delivering the ball .
• She tripped and fell over.
• I tripped as I got off the bus .
• She tripped over the rug .
• I tripped on a piece of wire that someone had stretched across the path .

trip verb ( MOVE )

• bowl down/along something
• make good time idiom
• make haste idiom

trip verb ( SWITCH )

• anti-static
• capacitance
• electricity
• high-voltage
• non-electric
• non-electrical
• non-electronic
• solid-state
• transistorized

trip verb ( EXPERIENCE )

Phrasal verb, trip | intermediate english, trip noun [c] ( travel ), trip noun [c] ( experience ), trip verb [i/t] ( lose balance ), trip | business english, examples of trip, collocations with trip.

These are words often used in combination with trip .

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Translations of trip

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• trip (TRAVEL)
• trip (FALL)
• trip (EXPERIENCE)
• guilt/power/ego trip
• trip (LOSE BALANCE)
• trip (MOVE)
• trip (SWITCH)
• Business    Noun
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• 1.1.1 Pronunciation
• 1.1.2.1 Hyponyms
• 1.1.2.2 Derived terms
• 1.1.2.3 Translations
• 1.1.3.1 Derived terms
• 1.1.3.2 Translations
• 1.1.4 Adjective
• 1.2.2 References
• 1.3 See also
• 1.4 Anagrams
• 2.1 Etymology
• 2.2 Pronunciation
• 2.3.1 Derived terms
• 2.3.2 Related terms
• 3.1 Etymology
• 3.2 Pronunciation
• 4.1.1 Alternative forms
• 4.1.2 Pronunciation
• 4.1.3.1 Descendants
• 4.1.3.2 References
• 5.1 Etymology
• 5.2 Pronunciation
• 5.3.1 Declension
• 5.4 Further reading
• 6.1 Etymology
• 6.2 Pronunciation
• 6.3.1 Inflection
• 7.1 Etymology
• 8.1 Etymology
• 8.2 Pronunciation
• 8.3.1 Derived terms
• 8.3.2 Related terms
• 8.3.3 See also
• 8.5 Further reading

English [ edit ]

Etymology 1 [ edit ].

From Middle English trippen ( “ tread or step lightly and nimbly, skip, dance ” ) , perhaps from Old French triper ( “ to hop or dance around, strike with the feet ” ) , from a Frankish source; or alternatively from Middle Dutch trippen ( “ to skip, trip, hop, stamp, trample ” ) (> Modern Dutch trippelen ( “ to toddle, patter, trip ” ) ). Akin to Middle Low German trippen ( > Danish trippe ( “ to trip ” ) , Swedish trippa ( “ to mince, trip ” ) ), West Frisian tripje ( “ to toddle, trip ” ) , German trippeln ( “ to scurry ” ) , Old English treppan ( “ to trample, tread ” ) . Related also to trap , tramp .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• enPR : trĭp , IPA ( key ) : /tɹɪp/ , [tʰɹɪp]
• Rhymes: -ɪp

Noun [ edit ]

trip ( plural trips )

• 1918 , Ralph Henry Barbour , Lost Island : I sold my horse and took a trip to Ceylon and back on an Orient boat as a passenger,
• 1897 December (indicated as 1898 ), Winston Churchill , chapter V, in The Celebrity: An Episode , New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company ; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd. , →OCLC : We made an odd party before the arrival of the Ten, particularly when the Celebrity dropped in for lunch or dinner. He could not be induced to remain permanently at Mohair because Miss Trevor was at Asquith, but he appropriated a Hempstead cart from the Mohair stables and made the trip sometimes twice in a day.
• A stumble or misstep . He was injured due to a trip down the stairs.
• 1671 , John Milton , “ (please specify the page) ”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes , London: [ … ] J. M [ acock ] for John Starkey   [ … ] , →OCLC : Imperfect words, with childish trips .
• 1767 , Walter Harte , The amaranth; or, Religious poems : Each seeming trip , and each digressive start.
• 1967 , Joe David Brown, editor, The Hippies , New York: Time, Inc, page 2 : Unlike other accepted stimuli, from nicotine to liquor, the hallucinogens promise those who take the “ trip ” a magic-carpet escape from dull reality in which perceptions are heightened, sense distorted, and the imagination permanently bedazzled with ecstatic visions of teleological verity.
• 1969 , Merle Haggard (lyrics and music), “ Okie from Muskogee ”: We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee / We don't take our trips on LSD
• 1974 April 13, Heather Anderson, “Hustling”, in Gay Community News , page 2: Many of them admit to having suppressed any tendency toward homosexual behavior for the greater part of their lives—yet—denial becomes too heavy a trip after a period of time, and eventually curiosity wins out.
• A faux pas , a social error .
• ( engineering ) A mechanical cutout device.
• ( electricity ) A trip-switch or cut-out . It's dark because the trip operated.
• 1814 July 7, [Walter Scott ], Waverley;   [ … ] , volumes (please specify |volume=I to III) , Edinburgh:   [ … ] James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable and Co. ; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown , →OCLC : His heart bounded as he sometimes could distinctly hear the trip of a light female step glide to or from the door.
• ( obsolete ) A small piece; a morsel ; a bit. Synonyms: see Thesaurus: modicum
• 1661 December 10, Robert South, False Foundations Removed [ … ] : It is the sudden trip in wrestling that fetches a man to the ground.
• 1697 , Virgil , “Georgic II”, in John Dryden , transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis.   [ … ] , London: [ … ] Jacob Tonson ,   [ … ] , →OCLC : And watches with a trip his foe to foil.
• ( nautical ) A single board , or tack , in plying , or beating , to windward .

Part or all of this entry has been imported from the 1913 edition of Webster’s Dictionary , which is now free of copyright and hence in the public domain. The imported definitions may be significantly out of date, and any more recent senses may be completely missing. (See the entry for “ trip ”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary , Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam , 1913 , →OCLC . )

Hyponyms [ edit ]

• business trip
• pleasure trip
• school trip

Derived terms [ edit ]

• businessman's trip
• facility trip
• have a safe trip home
• trip down memory lane
• trip hammer
• trip odometer
• trip sitter
• trip sitting
• trip switch
• trip to Jerusalem
• trip to the woodshed
• trip working

Verb [ edit ]

trip ( third-person singular simple present trips , present participle tripping , simple past and past participle tripped )

• ( intransitive ) To fall over or stumble over an object as a result of striking it with one's foot Be careful not to trip on the tree roots.
• 1912 October, Edgar Rice Burroughs , “ Tarzan of the Apes ”, in The All-Story , New York, N.Y.: Frank A. Munsey Co. , →OCLC ; republished as chapter 5, in Tarzan of the Apes , New York, N.Y.: A. L. Burt Company , 1914 June, →OCLC : Early in his boyhood he had learned to form ropes by twisting and tying long grasses together, and with these he was forever tripping Tublat or attempting to hang him from some overhanging branch.
• c. 1503–1512 , John Skelton , Ware the Hauke ; republished in John Scattergood, editor, John Skelton: The Complete English Poems , 1983 , →OCLC , page 66 , lines 152–155 : And the Pharasay / Then durst nothynge say, / But let the matter slyp, / And made truth to tryp ;
• 1689 (indicated as 1690 ) , [ John Locke ], “Remedies of the Imperfection and Abuse of Words”, in An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding.   [ … ] , London: [ … ] Eliz [ abeth ] Holt, for Thomas Basset,   [ … ] , →OCLC , book III, page 250 : [T]ill his Tongue trips
• 1692–1717 , Robert South , “Discourse upon 2 Thessalonians ii.II”, in Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions , 6th edition, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI) , London: [ … ] J [ ames ] Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer,   [ … ] , published 1727 , →OCLC : A blind will thereupon comes to be led by a blind understanding; there is no remedy, but it must trip and stumble.
• 1697 , Virgil , translated by John Dryden , The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis.   [ … ] , London: [ … ] Jacob Tonson ,   [ … ] , →OCLC : Virgil is so exact in every word that none can be changed but for a worse; he pretends sometimes to trip , but it is to make you think him in danger when most secure.
• 1611 April (first recorded performance), William Shakespeare , “ The Tragedie of Cymbeline ”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies   [ … ] ( First Folio ), London: [ … ] Isaac Iaggard , and Ed [ ward ] Blount , published 1623 , →OCLC , [ Act V, scene v ] : These her women can trip me if I err.
• ( transitive ) To activate or set in motion , as in the activation of a trap , explosive , or switch . When we get into the factory, trip the lights.
• ( intransitive ) To be activated, as by a signal or an event The alarm system tripped , throwing everyone into a panic.
• 1961 November, “Talking of Trains: Derailment near Holmes Chapel”, in Trains Illustrated , page 652 : From the evidence of witnesses and of the recorded passing times, including the time at which the circuit breakers were tripped when the wires were brought down, the train was travelling at a speed of not less than 70 m.p.h.
• 2023 August 23, “Network News: CCTV helps save track workers from being struck by train”, in RAIL , number 990 , page 10 : The 25kV had repeatedly tripped and the two had split from a larger group to operate an overhead line isolating switch.
• 1970 , Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne (lyrics and music), “Fairies Wear Boots”, in Paranoid , performed by Black Sabbath: So, I went to the doctor, see what he could give me / He said, "Son, son, you've gone too far / 'Cause smokin' and trippin ’ is all that you do," / Yeeeeeeaaaaaah
• ( intransitive ) To journey , to make a trip. Last summer, we tripped to the coast.
• a. 1645 , John Milton , “ L’Allegro ”, in Poems of Mr. John Milton,   [ … ] , London: [ … ] Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Mosely ,   [ … ] , published 1646 , →OCLC : Come, and trip it, as ye go, / On the light fantastic toe.
• 1687 , [John Dryden] , “ (please specify the page number) ”, in The Hind and the Panther. A Poem, in Three Parts , 2nd edition, London: [ … ] Jacob Tonson   [ … ] , →OCLC : She bounded by, and tripped so light / They had not time to take a steady sight.
• 1819 June 23 , Geoffrey Crayon [pseudonym; Washington Irving ], “The Wife”, in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. , number I, New York, N.Y.: [ … ] C. S. Van Winkle,   [ … ] , →OCLC , page 53 : A bright beautiful face glanced out at the window, and vanished—a light footstep was heard—and Mary came tripping forth to meet us.
• ( nautical ) To raise (an anchor) from the bottom, by its cable or buoy rope, so that it hangs free.
• ( nautical ) To pull (a yard ) into a perpendicular position for lowering it.
• 2003 , “What's a Pimp?”, in Married to the Game , performed by Too $hort : If she ain't with it, I find another little chick / I'm quick to switch, even when I was six / I had a backup bitch, when my bitch would trip / I'd go play with my other girlfriend and get me a kiss / And at the age of thirty-six I'm to the same old tricks
• trip from the tongue
• trip off the tongue
• trip over one's feet
• trip over one's own two feet
• trip the light fantastic
• tripwire , trip wire

Adjective [ edit ]

trip ( not comparable )

• ( poker slang ) Of or relating to trips ( three of a kind ) .

Etymology 2 [ edit ]

From Middle English tryppe , from Old French trippe . Possibly related to troop .

• ( obsolete , UK , Scotland , dialect ) A herd or flock of sheep, goats, etc.
• ( obsolete ) A troop of men; a host .
• A flock of wigeons .

References [ edit ]

• The Chambers Dictionary , 10th edition, entry trip .

See also [ edit ]

Anagrams [ edit ], dutch [ edit ], etymology [ edit ].

Borrowed from English trip .

• IPA ( key ) : /trɪp/
• Hyphenation: trip

trip   m ( plural trips , diminutive tripje   n )

• a trip , a short excursion , a vacation , travelling Synonyms: plezierreis , uitje , uitstapje
• hallucination , tripping
• pleziertrip

Related terms [ edit ]

Kalasha [ edit ].

From Sanskrit तृप्र ( tṛprá , “ distress ” )

• IPA ( key ) : /t̪rip/
• sickness , trouble

Middle English [ edit ]

From Anglo-Norman trippe ( “ dance ” ) .

Alternative forms [ edit ]

• IPA ( key ) : /ˈtrip(ə)/

trip ( plural trippus )

• An action that leads to a trip , fall or a bump ; that which causes a misstep.
• ( rare ) A motion in a dance.
• ( rare , Late Middle English ) A voyage ; an excursion .

Descendants [ edit ]

• Scots: trip
• “ trip(pe, n.(1). ”, in MED Online , Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan , 2007 , retrieved 2018-05-08 .
• Alternative form of tryppe

Polish [ edit ]

• IPA ( key ) : /trip/
• Rhymes: -ip
• Syllabification: trip

trip   m   inan

• ( slang ) trip ( period of time in which one experiences drug-induced reverie or hallucinations ) Synonym: haj
• ( film ) movie with phantasmagoric images and scenes

Declension [ edit ]

Further reading [ edit ].

• trip in Polish dictionaries at PWN

Romanian [ edit ]

• IPA ( key ) : [trip]

trip   n ( plural tripuri )

• ( slang ) trip ( hallucination caused by drugs ) Am avut un trip nasol. Iarba asta nu e de calitate. I had a shitty trip . This isn't quality herb.

Inflection [ edit ]

Spanish [ edit ].

trip   m ( plural trips )

• trip (hallucination)

Tagalog [ edit ]

• IPA ( key ) : /ˈtɾip/ , [ˈtɾip]

trip ( Baybayin spelling ᜆ᜔ᜇᜒᜉ᜔ ) ( slang )

• 2008 , Khavn De La Cruz, Ultraviolins , UP Press, →ISBN , page 182 : Wala, trip ko lang, wala lang akong magawa. May reklamo ka? Ako wala. Wala akong pakialam sa yo at sa kung ano mang iniisip mo. Bakit sa SM? Kase. Kase pareho ng initials ko. Yun lang. Nothing, just my idea, ['coz] I have nothing to do. Any problems? Nothing. I don't mind you and anything you think. Why in SM? Coz. Coz it's the same initials as mine. Just that.
• 1989 , National Mid-week : May asawa at anak ang lalaki, pero trip niya ang mamboso at mambastos sa telepono. Ginagamit ng lalaki ang ... ang mensahe ng pelikula. Ang problema ay nakaka-depress dahil mahirap labanan nang ganoon ang lalaking sira ang ulo. The man has a wife and a son, but he likes to harass and flirt with women on the telephone. The man uses the message of the movie. The problem is depressing because it's difficult to fight such a stupid man.
• 1998 , Honorio Bartolome De Dios, Sa Labas Ng Parlor , University of Philippines Press, →ISBN : Siguro nga napapayag mo siya, pero, nilasing mo 'yung tao, e. Hindi ko siya nilasing. Pareho kaming lasing n'ung gabing 'yun. Arnold, kilala ko ang kumpare ko. Matagal na kaming magkasama niyan. Ang trip talaga niya 'pag lasing, sex. You possible enticed her, but, you made the person drunk, don't you? I didn't made her drunk. We're both drunk that night. Arnold, I know my buddies. We've been together for long. What she likes when drunk is to have sex.
• act of taking advantage of someone ( by duping, tricking, cheating, etc. ) Synonyms: pananamantala , panloloko
• trip ( hallucination due to drugs )
• basagan ng trip
• basagin ang trip
• mapagtripan
• ( pseudoverb ) to want ; to like ( to do something, especially on a whim or impulse ) Synonyms: gusto , nais Trip ko lang na mambasag ng mga bintana ng kotse, kasi sabog ako n'on. I'ved just wanted to break car windows, 'coz I'm high that time.
• “ trip ”, in Pambansang Diksiyonaryo | Diksiyonaryo.ph , Manila, 2018
• Zorc, R. David, San Miguel, Rachel ( 1993 ) Tagalog Slang Dictionary ‎ [1] , Manila: De La Salle University Press, →ISBN

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• English lemmas
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trip noun 1

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What does the noun trip mean?

There are 25 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun trip , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

trip has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun trip ?

How is the noun trip pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun trip come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun trip is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for trip is from around 1412–20, in a translation by John Lydgate, poet and prior of Hatfield Regis.

It is also recorded as a verb from the Middle English period (1150—1500).

trip is formed within English, by conversion.

Etymons: trip v.

Nearby entries

• Trionyx, n. 1835–
• trioperculate, adj. 1900–
• triorchis, n. 1650–
• triose, n. 1894–
• triose phosphate, n. 1934–
• trio-sonata, n. 1884–
• triovulate, adj. 1891–
• trioxan, n. 1915–
• trioxide, n. 1868–
• trioxy-, comb. form
• trip, n.¹ 1412–
• trip, n.² 1305–
• trip, n.³ c1386–1849
• trip, n.⁴ 1600
• Trip, n.⁵ 1909–
• trip, v. c1380–
• tripack, n. 1911–
• tripair, n. 1878–
• tripal | trypal, adj. & n. 1709–
• tripaleolate, adj. 1866–
• tripalmitin, n. 1855–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for trip, n.¹.

trip, n.¹ was first published in 1915; not yet revised.

trip, n.¹ was last modified in December 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into trip, n.¹ in December 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1915)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View trip, n.¹ in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for trip, n.¹, browse entry.