bivouac

[ biv-oo-ak, biv-wak ]

noun

1. a military encampment made with tents or improvised shelters, usually without shelter or protection from enemy fire.
2. the place used for such an encampment.

verb (used without object)

, biv·ou·acked, biv·ou·ack·ing.

1. to rest or assemble in such an area; encamp.

bivouac

/ ˈbɪvwæk; ˈbɪvʊˌæk /

noun

1. a temporary encampment with few facilities, as used by soldiers, mountaineers, etc

verb

1. intr to make such an encampment

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivouac¹

1700–10; < French < Swiss German bīwacht auxiliary patrol, equivalent to bī- by- + wacht patrol, watch

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivouac¹

C18: from French bivuac , probably from Swiss German Beiwacht , literally: by + watch

Example Sentences

She has taken the worn tapestry of the war novel and turned it inside out, exposing the original colors and throwing the battles and bivouacs into stark relief.

From Los Angeles Times

Kovacs said that lifting Dickey will likely take several days, and that several bivouac points are being prepared along the way so that Dickey and rescue teams can rest.

From Washington Times

Kovacs said lifting Dickey will likely take several days, and that several bivouac points are being prepared along the way so that he and rescue teams can rest.

From Seattle Times

The bivouac fell into a ravine, but no one happened to be in the building at the time.

From Scientific American

Mazzei’s vineyards showed promise but, according to one legend, were destroyed during the Revolutionary War by rambunctious Hessian prisoners bivouacked there.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• continue
• endure
• go on
• hover
• last
• linger
• live
• persist
• prevail
• stand
• stop
• survive
• wait