caravan

[kar-uh-van]

noun

1. a group of travelers, as merchants or pilgrims, journeying together for safety in passing through deserts, hostile territory, etc.

   Synonyms: band, cavalcade, train, procession, parade

2. any group traveling in or as if in a caravan and using a specific mode of transportation, as pack animals or motor vehicles.

   a caravan of trucks; a camel caravan.

3. a large covered vehicle for conveying passengers, goods, a sideshow, etc.; van.

4. Chiefly British.,  a house on wheels; trailer.

verb (used with object)

caravaned, caravanned, caravaning, caravanning. 

1. to carry in or as if in a caravan.

   Trucks caravaned food and medical supplies to the flood's survivors.

verb (used without object)

caravaned, caravanned, caravaning, caravanning. 

1. to travel in or as if in a caravan.

   They caravaned through Egypt.

caravan

/ ˈkærəˌvæn /

noun

1. 1. US and Canadian name: trailer. a large enclosed vehicle capable of being pulled by a car or lorry and equipped to be lived in

   2. ( as modifier )

      a caravan site

2. (esp in some parts of Asia and Africa) a company of traders or other travellers journeying together, often with a train of camels, through the desert

3. a group of wagons, pack mules, camels, etc, esp travelling in single file

4. a large covered vehicle, esp a gaily coloured one used by Romany Gypsies, circuses, etc

verb

1. (intr) to travel or have a holiday in a caravan

Other Word Forms

• caravanist noun
• caravanning noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of caravan¹

1590–1600; earlier carovan < Italian carovana < Persian kārwān

Word History and Origins

Origin of caravan¹

C16: from Italian caravana, from Persian kārwān

Example Sentences

The family were staying at the neighbouring Trecco Bay, a vast caravan park that helps ensure a steady stream of customers for the fair during the summer months.

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It will apply to people staying in hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation, camp sites and caravan parks.

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"That need for stability applies equally to travelling showpeople who live in chalets and caravans in accordance with their cultural heritage."

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Holed up in the caravan park her family owns, Emily White's voice choked up as she explained her fear and surprise.

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"We would sometimes book a caravan somewhere when that happened," Shona says, "just to have power".

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Related Words

• cavalcade 
• convoy 
• expedition 
• procession