1
a
: a way of hiding something (such as military equipment) by painting it or covering it with leaves or branches to make it harder to see
The army tanks were painted green and brown for camouflage.
b
: the green and brown clothing that soldiers and hunters wear to make them harder to see
troops in full camouflage
—often used before another nouna camouflage jacket
camouflage pants
camouflage gear
2
: something (such as color or shape) that protects an animal from attack by making the animal difficult to see in the area around it
The rabbit's white fur acts as a camouflage in the snow.
Rabbits use their white fur as camouflage in the snow.
3
: behavior that is meant to hide something or convince another of something that is not true
Her so-called charity work was a camouflage for her own self-interest.
His tough attitude served as camouflage.
camouflages; camouflaged; camouflaging
: to hide (something) by covering it up or making it harder to see
The swimming pool was camouflaged [=hidden] by a hedge.
The makeup camouflages blemishes.
camouflaged soldiers/animals
She camouflaged [=hid] her feelings well.
It was impossible to camouflage the facts.
Cite this Entry
“Camouflage.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/camouflage. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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