camp

noun (1), often attributive

\ ˈkamp

Definition of camp

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a : a place usually away from urban areas where tents or simple buildings (such as cabins) are erected for shelter or for temporary residence (as for laborers, prisoners, or vacationers) migrant labor camp

b : a group of tents, cabins, or huts fishing camps along the river

c : a settlement newly sprung up in a lumbering or mining region

d : a place usually in the country for recreation or instruction often during the summer goes to camp every July also : a program offering access to recreational or educational facilities for a limited period of time computer camp a resort offering boating and hiking camps

e : a preseason training session for athletes the star pitcher injured in camp this spring

2a : a body of persons encamped

b(1) : a group of persons especially : a group engaged in promoting or defending a theory, doctrine, position, or person

(2) : an ideological position

3 : military service or life

camp

verb (1)

camped; camping; camps

Definition of camp (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to make camp or occupy a camp

2 : to live temporarily in a camp or outdoors —often used with out

3 : to take up one's quarters : lodge

4 : to take up one's position : settle down —often used with out camp out in the library for the afternoon

transitive verb

: to put into a camp also : accommodate

camp

noun (2)

Definition of camp (Entry 3 of 5)

1a : something so outrageously artificial, affected, inappropriate, or out-of-date as to be considered amusing This version of the play is camp: outrageous in concept and wild in its execution with double entendres flying every which way.

b : a style or mode of personal or creative expression that is absurdly exaggerated and often fuses elements of high and popular culture a movie that celebrates camp

2 : exaggerated effeminate mannerisms (as of speech or gesture)

camp

adjective

Definition of camp (Entry 4 of 5)

: of, relating to, being, or displaying camp : campy camp send-ups of the songs of the fifties and sixties— John Elsom

camp

verb (2)

camped; camping; camps

Definition of camp (Entry 5 of 5)

intransitive verb

: to engage in camp : exhibit the qualities of camp he … was camping, hands on hips, with a quick eye to notice every man who passed by— R. M. McAlmon