work camp

American  

noun

1. a camp for prisoners sentenced to labor, especially to outdoor labor such as roadbuilding or farming.

2. a volunteer project in which members of a church, service organization, etc., work together in aid of some worthy cause.

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work camp British  

noun

1. a camp set up for young people who voluntarily do manual work on a worthwhile project

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Etymology

Origin of work camp

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Ben said nice things about us last week, so he’ll get a good bunk when he returns to the Surge’s work camp.

From Slate • Sep. 6, 2025

In 1994, he faced a three-year sentence in a juvenile work camp until Boyle intervened.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2024

Soon after Anne’s sister received a notice in July 1942 to report for a work camp in Germany, the Franks knew it was time to hide.

From New York Times • Nov. 3, 2022

After a brief prologue in 1968, the film backtracks to the end of World War II, as Hans is being remanded into civilian custody from a work camp.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2022

Every family, it seemed, had someone in jail, in a work camp, or in hiding.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom