journey

[jur-nee]

noun

plural

journeys 

1. a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; trip.

   a six-day journey across the desert.

   Synonyms: tour, jaunt, excursion

2. a distance, course, or area traveled or suitable for traveling.

   a desert journey.

3. a period of travel.

   a week's journey.

4. passage or progress from one stage to another.

   the journey to success.

verb (used without object)

journeyed, journeying 

1. to make a journey; travel.

   Synonyms: peregrinate, rove, roam

journey

/ ˈdʒɜːnɪ /

noun

1. a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage

2. 1. the distance travelled in a journey

   2. the time taken to make a journey

verb

1. (intr) to make a journey

Other Word Forms

• journeyer noun
• outjourney verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English journee “day,” from Old French, from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta “a day's time, day's work, etc.,” equivalent to Latin diurn(us) “daily” + -āta, feminine of -ātus -ate ¹; -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey¹

C13: from Old French journee a day, a day's travelling, from Latin diurnum day's portion; see _diurnal

Synonym Study

See trip ¹.

Example Sentences

Mr Alekari's journey had seen him bike through the likes of Iran, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan - before he went through Europe, visiting numerous nations including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and France.

From BBC

The journey took several months, but - on reaching their final destination - she found a bunch of flowers waiting for her.

From BBC

I want to imagine the journey the furniture had before it got to me.

From Los Angeles Times

Daisy began her journey at Downton Abbey as a belabored kitchen maid, but eventually the estate’s revered cook Mrs. Patmore took her under her wing.

From Los Angeles Times

The walkout will begin on Sunday, when there will be limited service, with the advice to complete your journey by 18:00 BST.

From BBC

Related Words

• adventure 
• campaign 
• crossing 
• drive 
• expedition 
• exploration 
• hike 
• itinerary 
• jaunt 
• migration 
• odyssey 
• outing 
• passage 
• pilgrimage 
• progress 
• quest 
• route 
• sojourn 
• tour 
• travel 

When To Use

What does journey mean?

A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey, though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest. A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.