trek

[ trek ]

verb (used without object)

, trekked, trek·king.

1. to travel or migrate slowly or with difficulty, often through rough or unsettled territory:

   He managed to escape from a Siberian labor camp and trekked to Iran, a three-year journey.

2. to hike long distances as a recreational activity, especially over rough terrain:

   He's trekked through the Himalayas and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.

3. to make a short but difficult trip on foot:

   We trekked back to our hotel in the pouring rain.

4. South Africa. to travel by ox wagon.

verb (used with object)

, trekked, trek·king.

1. South Africa. (of a draft animal) to draw (a vehicle or load).

noun

1. a slow or difficult journey, hike, or trip.
2. South Africa.
   1. a migration or expedition, especially by ox wagon.
   2. a stage of such a journey, between one stopping place and the next.

trek

/ trɛk /

noun

1. a long and often difficult journey
2. a journey or stage of a journey, esp a migration by ox wagon

verb

1. intr to make a trek
2. tr (of an ox, etc) to draw (a load)

Derived Forms

• ˈtrekker, noun

Other Words From

• un·trekked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trek¹

First recorded in 1845–50; from Afrikaans and Dutch noun trek “a tug, pull, march”; verb from Afrikaans trek “to draw, pull, migrate,” from Dutch trekken

Word History and Origins

Origin of trek¹

C19: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch trekken to travel; related to Old Frisian trekka

Example Sentences

Trembley expressed his gratitude to the state and local emergency agencies that stepped in to help, along with the fire agencies from outside Ventura County that made the trek to Camarillo.

From Los Angeles Times

The only marketing Schneider did for the event was a simple blog post announcing the trek.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether it’s ultralight trekking poles, a reusable water bottle or a sun hoodie with thumb holes, the gear is part of the fun of hiking.

From Los Angeles Times

But, after briefly retreating to the clubhouse in the wake of his four-run clunker, the midseason trade acquisition trekked back to the dugout.

From Los Angeles Times

In areas where bats congregate in large groups, scientists can simply trek out to caves they’re known to frequent and count them to see if they’re dying off.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• expedition
• hike
• odyssey
• trip