campout: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal
Quick answer
What does “campout” mean?
An event where people camp outdoors, typically in tents, often for a single night or a short period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An event where people camp outdoors, typically in tents, often for a single night or a short period.
A social gathering involving overnight outdoor camping; can also refer to an informal or official occasion of sleeping outdoors (e.g., a planned scouting activity, a backyard sleepover). Figuratively, can describe any improvised or temporary sleeping arrangement indoors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more common in American English. In British English, 'camping trip' or simply 'camping' is often preferred for the same concept, though 'campout' is understood.
Connotations
In AmE, strongly associated with scouting (e.g., Boy Scout campout), family or youth group activities. In BrE, may sound slightly Americanized or specifically refer to a scouting event.
Frequency
Higher frequency in AmE; lower but understood in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “campout” in a Sentence
have a campoutgo on a campoutorganise/organize a campoutinvite someone to a campoutVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “campout” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to camp out in the garden for the kids' birthday.
- Protesters are planning to camp out in front of the town hall.
American English
- Let's camp out by the lake this Friday.
- They had to camp out in the airport due to the flight cancellation.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as a standalone adjective.
American English
- Not used as a standalone adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The team had a campout in the conference room to finish the project.'
Academic
Very rare. Would only appear in sociological or recreational studies contexts.
Everyday
Common, especially in family, school, and scouting contexts in the US.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “campout”
- Using 'campout' as a verb (incorrect: 'We will campout there.' Correct: 'We will camp out there.').
- Spelling as two words when used as a noun (incorrect: 'We went on a camp out.' Correct: 'We went on a campout.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is one word: 'campout'. The verb is the phrasal verb 'camp out' (two words).
'Camping' is the general activity. A 'campout' is a specific instance or event centred around that activity, often implying a social or organised group.
Yes, but only figuratively or informally (e.g., 'The kids are having a campout in the living room tonight.'). The core meaning remains tied to the idea of temporary, improvised sleeping arrangements.
It originates and is most frequent in American English, but it is widely understood in other varieties. British English speakers might more naturally say 'camping trip' or 'night camping'.
An event where people camp outdoors, typically in tents, often for a single night or a short period.
Campout is usually informal in register.
Campout: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæmp.aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæmpˌaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “camp out (v.): to wait for a long time, e.g., 'Fans camped out overnight for tickets.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CAMP + OUT: You CAMP OUTside. It's a compound word.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPORARY EVENT IS A CAMPING TRIP (e.g., 'a coding campout').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of 'campout' as a noun?