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

He lived in a caravan for more than six years working for a group of travellers resurfacing driveways.

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At the time of his dealings with Prince Andrew, Mr Gleave also ran a number of caravan and mobile home parks in Northern Ireland and England.

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He said that he initially thought the home would remain on the vehicle as the family drove around, just as they had done with their caravan.

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Another person, from Pitlochry, posted: "I live in a static caravan and experienced up and down movement, it was like a giant walking past our van."

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The note was found in a sealed white envelope when police apprehended Mr Berry and Mr Thomas hiding in undergrowth near the caravan site on the night of the attack.

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Related Words

• cavalcade 
• convoy 
• expedition 
• procession