donga

[ dong-guh, dawng-guh ]

noun

1. (in an ice shelf ) a small ravine with steep sides.
2. (in South Africa) an eroded ravine; a dry watercourse.

donga

¹

/ ˈdɒŋɡə /

noun

1. a steep-sided gully created by soil erosion

donga

²

/ ˈdɒŋɡə /

noun

1. (in Papua New Guinea) a house or shelter

Word History and Origins

Origin of donga¹

1875–80; < Nguni (compare Zulu u(lu)donga ); perhaps directly < a pidginized form with loss of the class prefix, as Fanagalo donga

Word History and Origins

Origin of donga¹

C19: Afrikaans, from Nguni donga washed out gully

Example Sentences

The force kept to the donga almost the whole march, scarcely for a moment leaving its shelter.

From Project Gutenberg

Whilst they remained thus, suddenly through the mist they heard a voice shouting from the other side of the donga.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw, about fifty yards off, the prince running down the donga with fourteen Zulus in close pursuit.

From Project Gutenberg

Donga and tree stump afforded excellent cover for the slim adversary, sniper or scout.

From Project Gutenberg

With these and the party in the donga he went on, making for the rear of the Boer position, and keeping out of range of the Ridge.

From Project Gutenberg