Langimage
English

caravan

|car/a/van|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkærəˌvæn/

🇬🇧

/ˈkærəvæn/

group travel

Etymology
Etymology Information

'caravan' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'karwan,' where 'kar' meant 'work' and 'wan' meant 'vehicle.'

Historical Evolution

'karwan' changed from the Persian word 'karwan' and eventually became the modern English word 'caravan.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a group of people traveling together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a large vehicle for living in.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a group of travelers, as merchants or pilgrims, journeying together for safety in passing through deserts, hostile territory, etc.

The caravan moved slowly across the desert.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a large covered vehicle for conveying passengers, goods, etc.; a van.

They traveled across Europe in a caravan.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45