Camp

/kæmp/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A temporary place of accommodation, typically consisting of tents or huts.

/kæmp/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A place for temporary accommodation

The scouts set up their camp by the lake.

💡 Simply: A place to stay temporarily, usually outdoors.

More Examples

2

The refugee camp provided shelter for displaced families.

How It's Used

Outdoor Recreation

"We spent a week at a summer camp in the mountains."

Military

"The army established a base camp near the river."

2

To stay or reside in a camp.

/kæmp/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To stay in a camp

They camped under the stars.

💡 Simply: To stay in a temporary outdoor place.

More Examples

2

The hikers decided to camp near the waterfall.

How It's Used

Outdoor Recreation

"We're going to camp in the woods this weekend."

Tip:Think of 'camping' – the action of staying in a camp.
3

A group of people with shared political beliefs or affiliations.

/kæmp/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A group of people sharing similar beliefs

The two opposing camps engaged in a heated debate.

💡 Simply: A group of people with the same ideas.

More Examples

2

He belonged to the progressive camp within the party.

How It's Used

Politics

"The political camp was divided on the issue."

Tip:Think of a 'political camp' – people with shared views.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

go camping

To engage in the activity of camping.

"We're going camping next weekend."

From Middle English *camp*, from Old French *camp*, from Latin *campus* meaning "field".

The word 'camp' has long been associated with military encampments, but its use expanded to include recreational activities in the 19th century.

Memory tip

Think of 'camping' – a temporary stay outdoors.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"field"

summer campbase campgo campingcamping trip

Common misspellings

campecamppe

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written