trek definition and etymology

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Definition of trek

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

Definition of trek  (Entry 2 of 2)

• peregrinate
• peregrination

Examples of trek in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trek.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Afrikaans, from Dutch trecken to pull, haul, migrate; akin to Old High German trechan to pull

Afrikaans, from Dutch treck pull, haul, from trecken

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 2

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Dictionary Entries Near trek

Treitz's muscle

Cite this Entry

“Trek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trek. Accessed 19 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of trek.

Kids Definition of trek  (Entry 2 of 2)

from Afrikaans trek, "to travel by ox wagon," from Dutch trecken "to haul, pull"

More from Merriam-Webster on trek

Nglish: Translation of trek for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trek for Arabic Speakers

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• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Etymology
• 1.3 Pronunciation
• 1.5.1 Related terms
• 1.5.2 Translations
• 1.6 Anagrams
• 2.1 Pronunciation
• 2.2.1.1 Descendants
• 2.3.1.1 Derived terms
• 3.1 Pronunciation
• 3.2.1.1 Derived terms
• 3.4 Anagrams
• 5.1 Pronunciation
• 5.2.1 References

English [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ].

• treck ( archaic )

Etymology [ edit ]

From Afrikaans trek , from Dutch trekken , from Middle Dutch trekken ( weak verb ) and trēken ( “ to trek, place, bring, move ” , strong verb ) , from Old Dutch *trekkan , *trekan , from Proto-West Germanic *trekan , from Proto-Germanic *trekaną , *trakjaną ( “ to drag, haul, scrape, pull ” ) , from Proto-Indo-European *dreg- ( “ to drag, scrape ” ) .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• enPR : trĕk , IPA ( key ) : /tɹɛk/
• Rhymes: -ɛk

Noun [ edit ]

trek ( plural treks )

• ( South Africa ) A journey by ox wagon.
• ( South Africa ) The Boer migration of 1835–1837.
• 1943 November and December, G. T. Porter, “The Lines Behind the Lines in Burma”, in Railway Magazine , page 327 : Early the next morning I set off on the long and hazardous trek through jungles and hills into Assam, and regretfully said "good-bye" to the gallant little Burma Railways, which had functioned to the last and played a big part in evacuating many thousands of refugees and wounded soldiers in the path of the rapidly advancing Japanese.
• A long walk. Synonym: slog I would drive to the shops from here; you can walk, but it's quite a trek .

Verb [ edit ]

trek ( third-person singular simple present treks , present participle trekking , simple past and past participle trekked )

• 1892 , Robert Louis Stevenson , The Beach of Falesá : Before that they had been a good deal on the move, trekking about after the white man, who was one of those rolling stones that keep going round after a soft job.
• ( intransitive ) To journey on foot , especially to hike through mountainous areas .
• ( South Africa ) To travel by ox wagon .
• ( Nigeria ) To travel by walking .

Related terms [ edit ]

Translations [ edit ], anagrams [ edit ], afrikaans [ edit ].

• IPA ( key ) : /træk/

Etymology 1 [ edit ]

From Dutch trekken .

trek ( present trek , present participle trekkende , past participle getrek )

• to move (moving house)

Descendants [ edit ]

Etymology 2 [ edit ].

From Dutch trek .

trek ( plural trekke )

Derived terms [ edit ]

Dutch [ edit ].

• IPA ( key ) : /trɛk/
• Hyphenation: trek

From Middle Dutch trec , from trecken .

trek   m ( plural trekken , diminutive trekje   n )

• ( uncountable ) appetite Ik heb trek in een reep chocola — I could (now) have a chocolate bar Ik heb geen trek in deze klus — I have no mind to carry out this task
• ( countable ) journey , migration
• ( uncountable ) animal migration
• ( uncountable ) draught , air current through a chimney.
• ( countable ) feature , trait

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

• first-person singular present indicative

French [ edit ]

trek   m ( plural treks )

Ternate [ edit ]

• IPA ( key ) : [ˈtɾek]

References [ edit ]

• Rika Hayami-Allen ( 2001 ) A descriptive study of the language of Ternate, the northern Moluccas, Indonesia , University of Pittsburgh, page 30

• English terms borrowed from Afrikaans
• English terms derived from Afrikaans
• English terms derived from Dutch
• English terms derived from Middle Dutch
• English terms derived from Old Dutch
• English terms derived from Proto-West Germanic
• English terms derived from Proto-Germanic
• English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
• English 1-syllable words
• English terms with IPA pronunciation
• Rhymes:English/ɛk
• Rhymes:English/ɛk/1 syllable
• English terms with audio links
• Requests for audio pronunciation from South Africa in English entries
• English lemmas
• English nouns
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• Afrikaans lemmas
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• Afrikaans nouns
• Dutch terms with IPA pronunciation
• Dutch terms with audio links
• Rhymes:Dutch/ɛk
• Rhymes:Dutch/ɛk/1 syllable
• Dutch terms inherited from Middle Dutch
• Dutch terms derived from Middle Dutch
• Dutch lemmas
• Dutch nouns
• Dutch nouns with plural in -en
• Dutch masculine nouns
• Dutch uncountable nouns
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• French countable nouns
• French terms spelled with K
• French masculine nouns
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Meaning of trek – Learner’s Dictionary

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(Definition of trek from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of trek

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a computer program designed to have a conversation with a human being, usually over the internet

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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What does the verb trek mean?

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb trek . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the verb trek ?

How is the verb trek pronounced, british english, u.s. english, south african english, where does the verb trek come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the verb trek is in the 1850s.

OED's earliest evidence for trek is from 1850, in the writing of R. Gordon-Cumming.

It is also recorded as a noun from the 1820s.

trek is a borrowing from Dutch.

Etymons: Dutch trekken .

Nearby entries

• tregetry, n. c1380–1540
• tregetting, n. c1440
• trehala, n. 1862–
• trehalase, n. 1893–
• trehalose, n. 1862–
• treillage, n. 1698–
• treillaged, adj. 1810–
• treille, n. 1780–
• treillis, n. 1706–
• trek, n. 1849–
• trek, v. 1850–
• trek Boer, n. 1835–
• trek-bok, n. 1824–
• trek-cart, n. 1928–
• trek chain, n. 1878–
• trek-farmer, n. 1912–
• trek fever, n. 1897–
• trekker, n. 1851–
• trekkie, n. 1888–
• trekking, n. & adj. 1850–
• trek-net, n. 1913–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for trek, v..

trek, v. was first published in 1914; not yet revised.

trek, v. was last modified in July 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into trek, v. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1914)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

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Citation details

Factsheet for trek, v., browse entry.

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Definition of trek noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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Definition of 'trek'

trek in American English

Trek in british english, examples of 'trek' in a sentence trek, related word partners trek, trends of trek.

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• arduous trek
• mountain trek
• the Great Trek
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verb (used without object)

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

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

We trekked back to our hotel in the pouring rain.

• South Africa. to travel by ox wagon.

verb (used with object)

• South Africa. (of a draft animal) to draw (a vehicle or load).
• a slow or difficult journey, hike, or trip.
• a migration or expedition, especially by ox wagon.
• a stage of such a journey, between one stopping place and the next.
• a long and often difficult journey
• a journey or stage of a journey, esp a migration by ox wagon
• intr to make a trek
• tr (of an ox, etc) to draw (a load)

Discover More

Derived forms.

• ˈtrekker , noun

Other Words From

• un·trekked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trek 1

Example Sentences

During his trek, Brinsley twice passed within a block of a police stationhouse and he almost certainly saw cops along the way.

The audience--tout Hollywood--stands to cheer his slow and painful trek from the wings to the table.

Overall, few travelers have made the trek into the desert of Sudan to see these architectural wonders.

In fact, some feminist critics have pointed to a long history of objectification in Star Trek.

Horst Ulrich, a 72-year-old German on a trek with a group of friends, watched four Nepali guides swept away by an avalanche.

If his partner's impedimentia was not too bulky, the ancient model was ready for another trek to the hills.

The mountaineers, indeed, suffered less than the townsfolk as being more accustomed than they to conditions of trek and battle.

The cool morning air made it bearable for man and beast to trek.

By the third day of their trek southward along the Great River, the soles of Redbird's moccasins had worn through.

Once more was there a cracking of whips, and the oxen, straightening out along the trek-touw (Note 3), moved reluctantly on.

Related Words

Chris Pine’s Best Moment As Star Trek’s Captain Kirk Isn’t the One You Think

Hint: It doesn't involve the Kobayashi Maru test.

The Big Picture

• Chris Pine's portrayal of James T. Kirk in Star Trek showcases a journey from selfishness to selflessness, reflecting growth and heroism.
• The film reboots the iconic sci-fi franchise with action-packed sequences and a new timeline that sets up the origins of Kirk and Spock's friendship. Pine's best moment as Captain Kirk is in the final sequence of the film where he and Spock work together to infiltrate the Narada .
• Pine brings sensitivity to Kirk's character, fulfilling his father's legacy and showcasing a vulnerability that highlights his heroic transition.

There really should not be a debate over who is Hollywood’s “Best Chris,” as Chris Pine has easily proven himself as an actor of real depth . Between his steely role in the neo-Western Hell or High Water and his charismatic romanticism as Steve Trevor in the Wonder Woman films, Pine has shown that he’s capable of standing out within talented ensembles. However, the challenges he faced when stepping into the role of James T. Kirk in the reboot of the Star Trek franchise were immeasurable. While William Shatner’s performance has been cited as the gold standard of overacting, Pine brought a surprising sensitivity and nuance to his role as the younger Captain Kirk.

The mythology of Star Trek is quite dense, but director J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the franchise. By taking place within an alternate universe known as the “Kelvin Timeline,” the new trilogy was able to forge a new direction and show the events leading up to the iconic episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series . Longtime fans may have struggled accepting a new actor in Shatner’s iconic role, but Pine gave Kirk a complete character arc during the action-packed conclusion of 2009’s Star Trek when he and Spock worked together to infiltrate the Narada.

Star Trek (2009)

J.J. Abrams' 2009 movie Star Trek rebooted the iconic sci-fi franchise in a totally new timeline. When a Romulan ship travels back in time and alters the past, the lives of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), and the future crew of the USS Enterprise are drastically changed. In this new timeline, the Romulan Nero (Eric Bana) sets out for revenge on Spock, setting off a chain of events that reshape the entire universe.

Chris Pine's Best Moment as Kirk Comes in 'Star Trek's Final Act

While the original Star Trek series took place in an established universe, the reboot film examines how Kirk rose from a humble background to become one of the bravest and most accomplished captains in the history of Starfleet . Bravery is always in his wheelhouse, but Kirk starts off the film as a selfish jerk who only uses Starfleet to advance his own ego. Kirk essentially decides to enlist in Starfleet Academy in order to win a bet with Captain Christopher Pike ( Bruce Greenwood ). Following this, he seems more interested in starting feuds with Spock ( Zachary Quinto ) and flirting with Lieutenant Uhura ( Zoe Saldaña ) than he is fulfilling the Prime Directive. However, a pivotal conversation with Spock Prime ( Leonard Nimoy ) indicates to Kirk that he has a greater legacy to fulfill.

Pine shows in Star Trek's conclusion that Kirk has grown more responsible. His mission is a critical one; the ruthless Romulan, Captain Nero ( Eric Bana ), has already destroyed the planet Vulcan, and is intent on leading an attack on Earth. While Pine has always done a great job at showing that Kirk has a keen sense of humor, his complexion grows far more grave when he informs his crew about the impending mission. Kirk realizes that everything he came from, including his family and friends on Earth, is at stake. It’s the first instance in the film where he develops a knack for heroism that is entirely selfless, and not out of a desperate attempt to prove himself worthy to the other characters.

What Happened to the 'Madame Web' Director's Star Trek Movie?

While the final sequence includes the type of kinetic action that is common in Abrams’ films , Star Trek shows how Pine’s Kirk has learned from his eclectic experiences . Kirk has spent a majority of the film sneaking around Starfleet facilities in order to solidify his place within the crew of the Enterprise ; it's fitting that his finest hour involves infiltrating an advanced spacecraft in a daring and heroic mission that doesn’t follow official protocols. Kirk’s final brawl with the ruthless Romulan villain Ayel ( Clifton Collins Jr. ) shows how his checkered past ends up benefiting him. Although he started the film getting into a bar brawl with haughty Starfleet officers, Kirk finally puts his nasty hand-to-hand combat skills to good use.

'Star Trek' Shows the Origin of Kirk’s Friendship With Spock

One of the most interesting revisions that 2009’s Star Trek makes to the core mythology of the franchise is positioning Kirk and Spock as rivals. Although the two eventually grow into close friends throughout the original series , Spock’s insistence on sticking to procedures initially rubs Kirk the wrong way. The ending of Star Trek teases the eventual bond that will develop between Kirk and Spock, as they are forced to work together in order to sneak aboard the Narada . Pine is more cheerful in his interactions, indicating that Kirk has taken Spock Prime’s words about their respective destinies to heart. As unlikely as it seems to him initially, he’s grown to accept the idea that he and Spock could be friends.

Although he makes a few jokes at his new ally’s expense, Pine shows that Kirk has come to acknowledge Spock’s feelings . Kirk has been so infuriated with Spock’s attitude that he has overlooked the fact that Vulcan has been destroyed; Spock lost much of his family and cultural heritage. Kirk is well-aware that Spock is half-human , and that Earth is the only planet he has left to call home. There’s a sensitivity to how Pine characterizes Kirk’s attitude; he recognizes the pain that Spock feels upon losing a parent, as it’s one that he knows all-too well.

Kirk Fulfills His Father’s Legacy at the End of 'Star Trek'

Star Trek begins with a harrowing opening sequence featuring Chris Hemsworth as Kirk’s father, George , who sacrifices himself in order to save the crew of the Kelvin from a Romulan attack. Pine gives Kirk the chance to mirror his father’s heroic action , as he goes into the mission with an acknowledgment that he could easily perish. Although the Romulans were responsible for his father’s death, Pine doesn’t turn Kirk into a vengeful character; rather, his heroic endeavors indicate that Kirk has learned to take pride in his family name.

2009’s Star Trek was a surprise hit at the box office , and spawned two direct sequels that faced Kirk off against even more ruthless villains . Pine turned Kirk into an empathetic hero whose vulnerability was an attribute; it was in Star Trek ’s finest hours that he made the steady transition into the hero fans knew he would become.

Star Trek is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

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