caravan
UK: ˈkærəvæn | US: ˈkærəvæn
n. 1. A group of travelers journeying together, especially across a desert.
n. 2. A large vehicle equipped for living in, typically towed by a car (British usage).
n. 3. A covered wagon or cart used for transporting goods.
The word "caravan" traces back to the Persian kārwān, referring to a convoy of merchants or pilgrims traveling together, often across deserts. It entered English via Italian (caravana) and French (caravane), retaining its core idea of a collective journey. In British English, the term later narrowed to denote mobile homes or trailers, reflecting the modern adaptation of the original concept.
The traders formed a caravan to cross the Sahara safely.
They spent the summer touring Europe in their caravan.
Ancient caravans carried spices and silk along the Silk Road.
The circus arrived with a colorful caravan of performers.
She parked her caravan by the lakeside for the weekend.