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

Lin gets away with the loot, but in a betrayal akin to “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Qian Lu turns on his friend, causing Lin to be sentenced to life at a grueling work camp.

From New York Times

They had said that it was only a work camp.

From Literature

When Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, Hungary, a German ally, sent men like his father to army work camps.

From New York Times

Instead of freeing Mr. Humphrey, as he was legally bound to do, the parish sheriff transferred him to a state-run work camp outside Shreveport, where he stayed until he was released on May 13, 2019.

From New York Times

Grist's estimate does not include re-entry centers, work camps, or community release centers.

From Salon