Caravanning
/ˌkær.əˈvæn.ɪŋ/noun
Traveling or touring in a caravan, especially a trailer or recreational vehicle.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Persian kārwān, a traveling group, while caravanserais were roadside inns built to shelter caravans across Asia and the Middle East.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Persian
Persian
kārawān
“A group of travelers, especially a caravan crossing long-distance routes”
13th–14th Century
Italian
caravana
“A caravan or traveling company, borrowed through Mediterranean trade”
15th Century
French
caravane
“A company of travelers journeying together”
16th Century
English
caravan
“A company of travelers, particularly merchants traveling across deserts”
19th Century
English
caravan
“A covered vehicle or trailer used for travel or living”
Modern English
English
caravanning
“Traveling or holidaying in a caravan”
Explore more surprising origins