First Known Use: 1528
Dictionary
1camp
noun, often attributive \ˈkamp\
Definition of CAMP
1
a : a place usually away from urban areas where tents or simple buildings (as cabins) are erected for shelter or for temporary residence (as for laborers, prisoners, or vacationers) <migrant labor camp> b : a group of tents, cabins, or huts <fishing camps along the river> c : a settlement newly sprung up in a lumbering or mining region d : a place usually in the country for recreation or instruction often during the summer <goes to camp every July>; also : a program offering access to recreational or educational facilities for a limited period of time <computer camp> <a resort offering boating and hiking camps> e : a preseason training session for athletes <the star pitcher injured in camp this spring>
2
a : a body of persons encamped b (1) : a group of persons; especially : a group engaged in promoting or defending a theory, doctrine, position, or person (2) : an ideological position
3
: military service or life
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Origin of CAMP
Middle French, probably from Middle French dialect (Picard) or Old Occitan, from Latin campus plain, field
2camp
verb
Definition of CAMP
intransitive verb
1
: to make camp or occupy a camp
2
: to live temporarily in a camp or outdoors —often used with out
3
: to take up one's quarters : lodge
4
: to take up one's position : settle down —often used with out <camp out in the library for the afternoon>
transitive verb
: to put into a camp; also : accommodate
First Known Use of CAMP
1543
3camp
noun
Definition of CAMP
1
: exaggerated effeminate mannerisms exhibited especially by homosexuals
2
a : something so outrageously artificial, affected, inappropriate, or out-of-date as to be considered amusing b : a style or mode of personal or creative expression that is absurdly exaggerated and often fuses elements of high and popular culture <a movie that celebrates camp>
— camp·i·ly \ˈkam-pə-lē\ adverb
— camp·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun
— campy \ˈkam-pē\ adjective
Origin of CAMP
origin unknown
First Known Use: circa 1909
4camp
adjective
Definition of CAMP
: of, relating to, being, or displaying camp <camp send-ups of the songs of the fifties and sixties — John Elsom>
First Known Use of CAMP
1909
5camp
verb
Definition of CAMP
intransitive verb
: to engage in camp : exhibit the qualities of camp <he … was camping, hands on hips, with a quick eye to notice every man who passed by — R. M. McAlmon>
First Known Use of CAMP
1925
Camp
biographical name \ˈkamp\
Definition of CAMP
Walter Chauncey 1859–1925 Am. football coach
CAMP Defined for Kids
1camp
noun \ˈkamp\
Definition of CAMP for Kids
1
: a place where temporary shelters are erected <The hikers set up camp for the night.>
2
: a place or program for recreation or instruction usually during the summer
2camp
verb
campedcamp·ing
Definition of CAMP for Kids
1
: to make or occupy a camp <The travelers camped under a large tree.>
2
: to sleep outdoors usually in a tent <We camped out overnight.>
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