boot camp

noun

1
: a navy or marine corps camp for basic training
2
: a disciplinary facility or program in which young offenders are forced to participate in a rigidly structured routine
3
: a place or undertaking that resembles a military boot camp especially by requiring one to endure intensive training or initiation
Nowadays, the more talented players view their college years as necessary boot camp to prepare them for the riches waiting for them in pro football.Anson Mount
These youngsters are put through what amounts to a boot camp of courses in music notation, basic harmony and ear-training.Smithsonian

Examples of boot camp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His boot camp experience serves as a coming-of-age journey for the character as his perspective on manhood changes. Dory Jackson, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 That means the boot camp — led by vocal coaches, renowned producers, fitness trainers and star choreographers — will go beyond the fundamental basics of singing and dancing by including mental health care, physical wellness, media training and global studies. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 The series spans the entire three months of boot camp, encompassing obstacle and confidence courses, rifle shooting and the final 54-hour test, known as the Crucible. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 Cope is woefully unprepared for the physical rigor of boot camp, but fully invested in making it to graduation. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boot camp

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boot camp was in 1916

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Cite this Entry

“Boot camp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boot%20camp. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

boot camp

noun
: a camp where recently enlisted members of the Navy or Marine Corps receive their basic training

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