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camp

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈkæmp// UK //kˈæmp// camp
  1. 1 temporary outdoor lodging (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a place where people live for a short time in tents or simple shelters.

    a site providing temporary accommodation, typically consisting of tents or rudimentary structures.

    Example

    We set up our camp near the river before it got dark.

    Example

    The hikers established a temporary camp in the valley, ensuring they were well-sheltered from the rising winds before nightfall.
  2. 2 military base (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a place where soldiers live and train.

    a permanent or semi-permanent military installation used for housing and training personnel.

    Example

    The soldiers returned to the camp after their morning exercises.

    Example

    The military camp was situated strategically on the plateau, providing a clear vantage point over the surrounding territory.
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  1. 3 organised holiday program (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a place or program where children go for activities during their holidays.

    an organised program or facility providing recreational or educational activities, often for children during school breaks.

    Example

    My daughter is going to a music camp for two weeks this summer.

    Example

    The university hosts an annual science camp designed to encourage secondary school students to pursue careers in engineering.
  2. 4 ideological group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a group of people who share the same strong ideas or political beliefs.

    a group of people supporting a particular ideology, policy, or set of principles, often in opposition to another group.

    Example

    The party is divided into two camps regarding the new tax law.

    Example

    The debate split the faculty into two distinct camps, with neither side willing to compromise on the proposed curriculum changes.
  3. 5 exaggerated style (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a style of art or behavior that is funny because it is so extreme or artificial.

    an aesthetic style or mode of behaviour characterised by deliberate exaggeration, theatricality, or ironic artifice.

    Example

    The movie is full of camp and doesn't take itself seriously.

    Example

    The performance was a masterclass in camp, blending high fashion with absurdly dramatic gestures to satirise celebrity culture.
    • theatricality
    • flamboyance
  4. 6 to stay in a tent (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to stay in a tent or shelter while on holiday.

    to live or sleep in a tent or similar temporary accommodation, typically for recreational purposes.

    Example

    We decided to camp in the woods instead of staying at a hotel.

    Example

    The family preferred to camp in remote areas where they could experience the wilderness without the intrusion of modern amenities.
    • bivouac
  5. 7 theatrical or flamboyant (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    behaving in a very exaggerated or theatrical way to be funny.

    characterised by ostentatious flamboyance or theatricality, often in a self-parodying manner.

    Example

    He gave a very camp performance that made everyone laugh.

    Example

    The director chose a camp aesthetic for the production, using neon colours and over-the-top costumes to create a surreal atmosphere.
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