sightseeing

1 of 2

noun

sight·​see·​ing ˈsīt-ˌsē-iŋ How to pronounce sightseeing (audio)
: the activity of visiting the famous or interesting places of an area : the act or pastime of seeing sights
We did a lot of sightseeing on our vacation.
We didn't go to the conference. We went sightseeing instead …—Terry McMillan

sightseeing

2 of 2

adjective

: devoted to or used for seeing sights

Examples of sightseeing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Wear it with sandals for sightseeing, sneakers for travel days, or dress it up with wedges for dinner. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 To prevent greasy-looking roots after a day of sightseeing in the sweltering sun, a mini dry shampoo can be a game changer. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Adjective
Top 5 Can’t Miss Book a five-star stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, which has a luxe spa and pool for post-sightseeing relaxation. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sightseeing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sightseeing was in 1821

Rhymes for sightseeing

See All Rhymes for sightseeing

Browse Nearby Words

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sightseer
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Cite this Entry

“Sightseeing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sightseeing. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sightseeing

adjective
sight·​see·​ing
-ˌsē-iŋ
: engaged in, devoted to, or used for seeing things and places of interest
a sightseeing bus
sightseeing noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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