globetrot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “globetrot” mean?
To travel frequently and widely around the world.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To travel frequently and widely around the world.
To engage in extensive, often rapid, international travel, typically for pleasure, business, or adventure, with the implication of covering many countries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both variants use the term. The spelling 'globetrot' (one word) is standard; hyphenated form 'globe-trot' is less common.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK English, often associated with a traditional, adventurous British explorer stereotype. In US English, it may more frequently imply business travel.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood. Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “globetrot” in a Sentence
Subject (person/group) + globetrotSubject + globetrot + around the worldSubject + globetrot + for + (time period/business/pleasure)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “globetrot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After university, she plans to globetrot for a gap year.
- Their job allows them to globetrot, attending conferences worldwide.
American English
- Once they retired, they sold everything to globetrot full-time.
- He globetrots so much for work he never knows what time zone he's in.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as adverb; typically 'globetrottingly') The CEO lived globetrottingly, rarely in the home office.
American English
- (Rare as adverb) They spent their years globetrottingly, never settling down.
adjective
British English
- He has a globetrotting lifestyle that is the envy of his friends.
- The film follows the globetrotting adventures of a young diplomat.
American English
- She landed a globetrotting job as a photojournalist.
- Their globetrotting nephew sends postcards from exotic locations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally to describe executives with heavy international travel schedules.
Academic
Rare; more likely in anthropology or tourism studies discussing travel patterns.
Everyday
Used to describe someone who travels internationally frequently for leisure.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “globetrot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “globetrot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “globetrot”
- Incorrect: 'He globetrots to Paris.' (Use for multi-country travel, not a single destination) Incorrect: 'We globetrot last summer.' (Requires habitual sense; better: 'We spent last summer globetrotting.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal. In formal writing, phrases like 'travel extensively worldwide' are preferred.
The most common noun form is 'globetrotter' (a person who globetrots). The activity itself can be called 'globetrotting'.
It is unusual. The word implies habitual or extensive travel over time, covering multiple destinations. For a single multi-country trip, 'tour the world' or 'travel around the world' is better.
Yes. 'Globetrot' focuses on the act of traveling widely. 'Jet-set' refers to wealthy, stylish people who travel frequently for pleasure, emphasizing social status and luxury.
To travel frequently and widely around the world.
Globetrot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡləʊb.trɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡloʊb.trɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A confirmed globetrotter”
- “The globetrotting life”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GLOBE, and a person TROTTING lightly across its surface, visiting each continent.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WORLD IS A PATH (to trot upon). LIFE IS A JOURNEY (specifically a rapid, extensive one).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core implication of the verb 'to globetrot'?