zareba

or za·ree·ba

[ zuh-ree-buh ]

noun

1. (in the Sudan and adjoining regions) a protective enclosure, as of thorn bushes.

zareba

/ zəˈriːbə /

noun

1. a stockade or enclosure of thorn bushes around a village or campsite
2. the area so protected or enclosed

Word History and Origins

Origin of zareba¹

First recorded in 1840–50, zareba is from the Arabic word zarībah pen

Word History and Origins

Origin of zareba¹

C19: from Arabic zarībah cattlepen, from zarb sheepfold

Example Sentences

But at the last his nerve failed him, and when we rushed his zareba, he and his men made their getaway—leaving everything behind.

From Project Gutenberg

The village was surrounded by the usual thorn zareba, an' the whole tribe was gathered just inside the gates, feastin'.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind the warriors and inside the zareba was a still larger assemblage of women and children.

From Project Gutenberg

They were carried away from the fires and through rows of grass huts to the gateway of the zareba.

From Project Gutenberg

With a quick motion the boy stooped and caught it up, whirled it around, and sent it flying across the zareba.

From Project Gutenberg