ENGLISH
REFERENCE

campus

n. · v.
US //ˈkæmpəs// UK //kˈæmpəs// cam·pus
  1. 1 grounds of an institution (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the area of land where the buildings of a university, college, or large company are located.

    the grounds and buildings of a university, college, or other institution, such as a hospital or corporate headquarters.

    Example

    The university campus has a lot of green space and a modern library.

    Example

    The tech giant's sprawling corporate campus includes several cafeterias, a fitness centre, and extensive walking trails for employees.
  2. 2 to restrict movement (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to punish a student by not letting them leave the school grounds.

    to restrict a student to the grounds of a school or university as a disciplinary measure.

    Example

    He was campused for a week after he missed his curfew.

    Example

    The headmaster decided to campus the entire dormitory after the late-night prank caused significant damage to the common room.
  3. 3 climbing technique (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    to climb using only your hands and arms without using your feet.

    to climb without using one's feet, typically on a specialized training board or steep overhang.

    Example

    She managed to campus the last few moves of the route because there were no good footholds.

    Example

    Advanced climbers often campus the overhanging section of the wall to build explosive upper-body strength and finger power.

    Usage

    often used in the context of bouldering or training on a 'campus board'

Origin

Borrowed from Latin campus (“field”). Doublet of camp and champ. First used in its current sense in reference to Princeton University in the 1770s.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026