trek

American  

[trek] / trɛk /

verb (used without object)

trekked, trekking

1. to travel or migrate slowly or with difficulty, often through rough or unsettled territory.

   He managed to escape from a Siberian labor camp and trekked to Iran, a three-year journey.

2. to hike long distances as a recreational activity, especially over rough terrain.

   He's trekked through the Himalayas and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.

3. to make a short but difficult trip on foot.

   We trekked back to our hotel in the pouring rain.

4. South Africa. to travel by ox wagon.

---

verb (used with object)

trekked, trekking

1. South Africa. (of a draft animal) to draw (a vehicle or load).

noun

1. a slow or difficult journey, hike, or trip.

2. South Africa.

   1. a migration or expedition, especially by ox wagon.

   2. a stage of such a journey, between one stopping place and the next.

trek British  

/ trɛk /

noun

1. a long and often difficult journey

2. a journey or stage of a journey, esp a migration by ox wagon

---

verb

1. (intr) to make a trek

2. (tr) (of an ox, etc) to draw (a load)

Other Word Forms

• trekker noun
• untrekked adjective

Etymology

Origin of trek

First recorded in 1845–50; from Afrikaans and Dutch noun trek “a tug, pull, march”; verb from Afrikaans trek “to draw, pull, migrate,” from Dutch trekken

Example Sentences

We love spending time together, but it’s quite a trek on the 5 Freeway.

From Los Angeles Times

Special Forces medic who has since worked with travel security companies, accompanied Brown on his 2023 trek to the South American pole, in central Brazil.

From The Wall Street Journal

She trekked to base camp at Mount Everest.

From The Wall Street Journal

He treks the gravel path behind the farmhouse to a small pasture tucked between rows of corn and soybeans.

From The Wall Street Journal

The resort’s ski patrol initially responded to the injured skier, who was trekking through the rugged and advanced Martis Trail, according to the Sierra Sun, which covers the local community.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hike
• migrate
• plod
• roam
• slog
• traipse
• tramp
• trudge