C1noun3K

Outing

UK /["/ˈaʊtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈaʊtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

a trip that you go on for pleasure or education, usually with a group of people and lasting no more than one day

In simple words: A short trip or activity done for fun.

Examples

  • a family outing
  • We went on an outing to London.
  • Every year she organized an outing to the countryside.
  • We're going on an outing tomorrow.
  • The children were on a day's outing from school.

Usage notes

Used in casual conversations about enjoyable activities. While acceptable in a variety of contexts, it's more common in informal settings rather than formal writing.

Grammar pattern

outing + object (e.g. outing with friends)

Memory hint

Think of 'out' and 'thing' together — an 'outing' is an 'out' adventure or activity.

Collocations

  • little
  • special
  • day’s
  • arrange
  • plan
  • enjoy
  • on outing
  • outing from
  • outing to

Synonyms

  • excursion

Antonyms

  • indoor activity
  • stay-at-home

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'outing' as in revealing someone's personal information.
  • Using 'outing' to describe a serious event, which is inappropriate.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'out-ing' instead of 'ow-ting'.