Camping: meaning, definitions and examples

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camping

 

[ ˈkæmpɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

outdoor activity

The activity of spending a holiday living in a tent, caravan, or motorhome, usually in a campsite.

Synonyms

outdoor living, tenting.

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Word Description / Examples
camping

Same as the previous 'camping' but can also imply informal or spontaneous trips.

  • The kids wanted to go camping in the backyard.
  • She's excited about the camping trip with her friends.
tenting

Specifically refers to the activity of staying in tents. It is often used in contexts where the type of shelter (a tent) is a focus.

  • We did some tenting in the mountains for our last vacation.
  • Tenting is an essential part of any hiking expedition.
outdoor living

Refers to a lifestyle or activities that are enjoyed outside, often not limited to just staying overnight. This term encompasses a broader range of outdoor activities including BBQs, gardening, and more.

  • We have an outdoor living area with a grill and seating.
  • They are passionate about outdoor living and spend most weekends in nature.

Examples of usage

  • We went camping in the mountains last weekend.
  • I love the feeling of freedom that comes with camping in the wilderness.
Context #2 | Noun

organized event

A planned overnight stay in a remote or undeveloped area with the purpose of enjoying nature and outdoor activities.

Synonyms

outdoor adventure, wilderness retreat.

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Word Description / Examples
camping

This is a general term for staying overnight in a tent or other temporary shelter in nature. It's a popular activity for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience nature closely.

  • We went camping by the lake last weekend
  • Camping in the mountains can be a great way to disconnect from technology
outdoor adventure

This term implies an exciting and sometimes challenging experience in nature. It often involves activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring new places.

  • Our next outdoor adventure will be a three-day hike in the national park
  • She loves the thrill of an outdoor adventure and is always looking for new places to explore
wilderness retreat

This phrase is used to describe a more serene and often extended stay in a remote, natural setting. It suggests not just camping but also a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, focusing on relaxation and perhaps personal growth.

  • They went on a wilderness retreat to reconnect with nature and find peace
  • The wilderness retreat offered meditation and yoga sessions in the forest

Examples of usage

  • The school organized a camping trip for the students.
  • Camping can be a great way to bond with friends and family.
Context #3 | Verb

setting up camp

To set up a temporary shelter and equipment outdoors, typically in a natural environment.

Synonyms

pitching a tent, setting up camp.

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Word Description / Examples
camping

This is used when referring generally to the recreational activity of spending time outdoors, usually in a tent or a camper.

  • We went camping in the mountains last weekend.
  • Camping is one of my favorite summer activities.
pitching a tent

This phrase is used when talking specifically about the act of setting up a tent.

  • After hiking for hours, we started pitching a tent by the lake.
  • He showed me how to pitch a tent properly.
setting up camp

This is used when referring to the broader activity of establishing a temporary outdoor living area, which may include pitching a tent, arranging supplies, and other preparatory tasks.

  • As soon as we arrived, we started setting up camp before it got dark.
  • Setting up camp took longer than expected due to the heavy wind.

Examples of usage

  • We will be camping by the lake this weekend.
  • They decided to go camping for their summer vacation.

Translations

Translations of the word "camping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 campismo

🇮🇳 कैंपिंग

🇩🇪 Camping

🇮🇩 berkemah

🇺🇦 кемпінг

🇵🇱 kamping

🇯🇵 キャンプ

🇫🇷 camping

🇪🇸 camping

🇹🇷 kamp

🇰🇷 캠핑

🇸🇦 تخييم

🇨🇿 kempování

🇸🇰 kempovanie

🇨🇳 露营

🇸🇮 kampiranje

🇮🇸 tjaldsvæði

🇰🇿 лагерь құру

🇬🇪 ბანაკობა

🇦🇿 kamp

🇲🇽 campamento

Etymology

The term 'camping' originates from the word 'camp', which originally referred to a military encampment. The modern recreational activity of camping emerged in the early 20th century as people sought ways to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Camping has since evolved into a popular outdoor leisure activity enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

See also: camp, camper, campfire, campground, campsite, campus, encamp.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,519, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.