Bivouac: meaning, definitions and examples

Mostly used in a military context or when talking about a temporary camp set up outdoors without tents, such as during hiking or climbing expeditions.

• 'The soldiers set up a bivouac for the night
• ' 'The climbers decided to bivouac halfway up the mountain
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Typically used to describe a larger, more permanent or semi-permanent camp, often for groups such as nomads, refugees, or military troops.

• 'The refugees set up an encampment on the outskirts of the city
• ' 'The army's encampment was well-organized and secure
• '

Commonly used to refer to designated areas where people can legally set up their tents, often in official campgrounds or parks.

• 'We found a great campsite near the lake
• ' 'Let's book a campsite at the national park for the weekend
• '

This term is used specifically to refer to a temporary camp, often without tents or much equipment, usually set up for one night on hiking, climbing, or military expeditions.

• We decided to bivouac near the mountain summit before continuing our ascent the next day.
• During the military exercise, the soldiers had to bivouac in the forest.

This verb is less commonly used in everyday speech and is often seen in historical, military, or formal writing. It refers to the act of setting up camp systematically.

• The army was instructed to encamp on the outskirts of the city.
• They encamped by the river for the duration of their journey.

This phrase is often used to describe spending the night outdoors, usually in a tent. It is commonly used in casual, recreational contexts.

• We're going to camp out in the backyard tonight.
• They love to camp out under the stars while traveling.