break camp

phrase

: to pack up gear and leave a camp or campsite

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of break camp was in 1847

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Break camp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20camp. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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