campus

American  

[kam-puhs] / ˈkæm pəs /

noun

plural

campuses

1. the grounds, often including the buildings, of a college, university, or school.

2. a college or university.

   The large influx of older students radically changed many campuses throughout the country.

3. a division of a university that has its own grounds, buildings, and faculty but is administratively joined to the rest of the university.

4. the world of higher education.

   Foundation grants have had a marked effect on the character of the American campus.

5. a large, usually suburban, landscaped business or industrial site.

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campus British  

/ ˈkæmpəs /

noun

1. the grounds and buildings of a university

2. the outside area of a college, university, etc

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Other Word Forms

• intercampus adjective
• noncampus adjective

Etymology

Origin of campus

1765–75, < Latin: flat place, field, plain

Example Sentences

The Festival of Books is held on the USC campus.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Here to provide some much-needed guidance and inspiration is Ann Ziata, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education’s New York City campus.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

The data-center developer co-founded by Rick Perry, the former energy secretary and governor of Texas, confirmed Monday that it is yet to sign a cornerstone tenant for its Project Matador campus in Amarillo, Texas.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The Terminator star was invited to meet students and athletes at UU's campus in Belfast city centre.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

To get to the track at the college, we enter campus a different way than I do when I’m heading for the nature trail.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• dorm
• square