camper
camper — noun
1. someone who sleeps and lives outdoors in a tent, cabin, or holiday camp for a fe
someone who sleeps and lives outdoors in a tent, cabin, or holiday camp for a few days, usually as a form of recreation or vacation.
The campers at Lake Wānaka started a campfire to toast marshmallows.
collocation: campers at [place]
Diego met several friendly campers while hiking along the mountain trail.
Each camper must keep their tent at least six metres away from the river.
Aiko's camp counsellor gave every new camper a map and a whistle.
Rain kept the campers inside the main hall, where they played board games all afternoon.
- hiker
focuses on walking long distances, not necessarily sleeping outdoors
- backpacker
someone who carries all their gear on their back; often implies budget travel
- holiday-maker
general term for anyone on vacation, not limited to camping
- indoor person
someone who prefers staying inside; contrast is about lifestyle
用法筆記
Often used together with a location or an activity to describe what kind of camping the person is doing, e.g. 'summer campers', 'backcountry campers', 'first-time campers'. The related idiom 'not a happy camper' (see Idioms below) is always negated and informal.
常見錯誤
2. a large motor vehicle that is built or fitted with beds, a kitchen area, and sto
a large motor vehicle that is built or fitted with beds, a kitchen area, and storage, so people can travel and sleep in it, especially during a vacation.
The Okafor family rented a camper and drove from Toronto to Vancouver over three weeks.
collocation: rent a camper + drive to [destination]
Leila parked the camper near a waterfall and cooked dinner inside the small kitchen.
Modern campers come with solar panels, a fridge, and a fold-out bed.
Nadia's parents sold their house and now travel full-time in a white camper.
A camper can cost less than a hotel when you visit several places on one trip.
- motor home
more common in British English; refers to the same type of self-driving vehicle
- RV
recreational vehicle; the broad North American term that covers both motorhomes and towed trailers
- caravanette
British term for a small motor home
用法筆記
In British English this vehicle is more commonly called a 'motor home' or 'motorhome'. In American English 'camper' or 'RV' (recreational vehicle) is standard. If the vehicle has an engine and is driven separately, this sense applies — for a towed vehicle, see Sense 3.
常見錯誤
3. a wheeled unit without its own motor, towed behind a car or truck and fitted wit
a wheeled unit without its own motor, towed behind a car or truck and fitted with beds, cooking facilities, and living space for holidays and short breaks.
Tomás hitched the camper to his car and drove toward the coast.
collocation: hitch a camper to [vehicle]
The rental camper sleeps four people and has a small gas stove inside.
Yara's family kept the camper parked in the driveway between summer trips.
In Australia, many people own a camper for travelling along the coast during school holidays.
Make sure your car is strong enough to pull the camper up steep hills.
- caravan
the standard British term for a towed camper
- travel trailer
common American term with a broad range of sizes
- pop-up camper
a small folding model that expands when parked
- fifth-wheel trailer
a large towed camper that connects to a special hitch in a pickup truck bed
用法筆記
In British English the word 'caravan' is far more common than 'camper' for this type of towed vehicle. In American English 'camper', 'travel trailer', or simply 'trailer' are used. 'Pop-up camper' refers to a lightweight model whose roof folds down for towing and pops up when parked.