What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
traveller
Example
The traveller spent months backpacking through Europe. [traveller: noun]
Example
She is a seasoned traveller who has visited over 50 countries. [traveller: adjective]
tourist
Example
The city is full of tourists during the summer months. [tourists: plural noun]
Example
He went on a guided tour with a group of other tourists. [tourist: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tourist is more commonly used than traveller in everyday language. Tourist is a more general term that covers a wide range of travel experiences, while traveller is a more specific term that implies a longer and more immersive journey.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between traveller and tourist?
Both traveller and tourist can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but traveller may be associated with a more literary or poetic tone, while tourist may be associated with a more practical or commercial tone.