voluntourism

noun

vol·​un·​tour·​ism ˌvä-lən-ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce voluntourism (audio)
: the act or practice of doing volunteer work as needed in the community where one is vacationing
voluntourist
ˌvä-lən-ˈtu̇r-ist How to pronounce voluntourism (audio)
noun

Examples of voluntourism 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.
The luxury of a vacation on these islands makes pitching in with a little voluntourism feel like no biggie. — Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2025 Expect sunrise chants, makahiki ceremonies, and voluntourism opportunities such as reef and beach clean-ups. — Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025 This is the perfect voluntourism opportunity for hikers and travelers who want to visit Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 17 Feb. 2026 Conservation Africa runs wildlife conservation voluntourism programs throughout the continent. — Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for voluntourism

Word History

Etymology

blend of volunteer entry 3 and tourism

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of voluntourism was in 1991

Rhymes for voluntourism

See All Rhymes for voluntourism

Browse Nearby Words

volunteerism
voluntourism
volupté
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Voluntourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluntourism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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