boot camp

American  

noun

U.S. Navy, Marines.

1. a camp for training recruits.

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boot camp British  

noun

1. slang a basic training camp for new recruits to the US Navy or Marine Corps

2. a centre for juvenile offenders, with a strict disciplinary regime, hard physical exercise, and community labour programmes

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Etymology

Origin of boot camp

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

One way to free up monthly cash flow is by adjusting how much you’re withholding in taxes, Joy, who runs the money boot camp “Crush Your Money Goals,” says.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

He said he went from scoring 44/100 before the boot camp to a near perfect score by the end.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Rush also auditioned for ITV talent show The X Factor in 2016, and made it as far as the "six-chair challenge", the stage between boot camp and judges' houses.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Although she claims that Cam is her favorite kid, she only half-listens to him when he says he’s headed to boot camp, instructing him to return home with a carton of milk.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2025

Would it be better if they enlisted in the military on the “buddy program” that allowed friends to go through boot camp together?

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge