camp meeting

American  

noun

1. a religious gathering held in a tent or in the open air.

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camp meeting British  

noun

1. a religious meeting held in a large tent or outdoors, often lasting several days

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Etymology

Origin of camp meeting

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

At the time, the New York Times declared it “the largest religious camp meeting ever to take place in the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2021

“There’s a great camp meeting in the Promised Land,” he said.

From Washington Post • Jun. 6, 2020

As one historian wrote: The O’Daniel rallies appealed to the same deep human instinct and provided the same emotional outlets which the camp meeting formerly offered.

From The Guardian • Feb. 13, 2016

A rotation of pastors preach at the camp meeting.

From Washington Times • Sep. 5, 2015

Grandpa was laughing so hard he hurt—rocking back and forth in his seat, grabbing his stomach, slapping his leg, flopping his arms, and shouting like somebody getting religion at a camp meeting.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns