Definition of bivouac
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter
2a : encampment usually for a night
b : a temporary or casual shelter or lodging
bivouac
verbbivouacked; bivouacking
Definition of bivouac (Entry 2 of 2)
2 : to take shelter often temporarily
: to provide temporary quarters for
They were bivouacked in the gym during the storm.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizTrue or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quizWord Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share bivouac
Time Traveler for bivouac
The first known use of bivouac was in 1809
See more words from the same year