noun, verb

journey

/JER-nee/ jour·ney 2 syllables

A long trip or a process of change and growth.

Word facts

Part of speech noun, verb
Syllables 2
Letters 7
Starts with J

Definition

A journey is a long trip from one place to another. It also refers to a long process of change, growth, or experience — such as a journey toward success or understanding.

Usage: Journey implies a long or significant trip. Trip is shorter and less significant. Voyage typically refers to a journey by sea. Adventure adds the idea of novelty and challenge.

Example sentences

  1. 1

    The journey from London to Edinburgh takes about four and a half hours by train.

  2. 2

    Learning a language is a long journey that rewards patience.

  3. 3

    She documented every step of her journey toward recovery.

Word family

noun journeyman
verb (gerund) journeying
Word origin

From Old French journee ('a day's travel or work'), from jour ('day') and Latin diurnus ('of the day'). Originally, a journey was as far as you could travel in a day.

Memory tip

Journey contains jour — French for 'day'. A journey began as a day's travel, but now it can last a lifetime.

Explore this word in Word Lab

FAQ

Questions people ask

What is the difference between a journey and a trip?

A journey is typically longer or more significant. A trip can be short and routine. Journey is also used figuratively for life processes.

How many syllables does journey have?

Journey has 2 syllables: jour-ney. The stress is on the first syllable: JER-nee.