kloof

American  

[kloof] / kluf /

noun

1. (in South Africa) a deep glen; ravine.

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kloof British  

/ kluːf /

noun

1. a mountain pass or gorge in southern Africa

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Etymology

Origin of kloof

1725–35; < Afrikaans; akin to cleave ²

Explanation

When visiting South Africa, you might hear the word kloof used for a deep, narrow ravine, gorge, or valley. Some examples of kloofs are Riviersonderend, near Capetown, and Oribi Gorge, near Durban. At the bottom of a kloof, there is usually a river that carved through the rock to form the gorge. Kloofing is an adventure sport in which people follow the river's path through the kloof — hiking, swimming, jumping from rocks into river pools, and rappelling down waterfalls or steep rock faces. You can go kloofing in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve near the town of Kloof, named for its deep gorges. The word kloof is from Afrikaans, a language related to Dutch, and one of the official languages of South Africa.

Example Sentences

It flew just too high, fortunately, over the heads of the throng of burghers, and burst in the kloof behind them.

From Through Shot and Flame The Adventures and Experiences of J. D. Kestell Chaplain to President Steyn and General Christian De Wet by Kestell, J. D. (John Daniel)

It is a singular fact that on his way to take possession of the kloof the new purchaser fell ill and died, and the place has never since been occupied.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

After two hundred yards of this narrow ravine, the kloof suddenly turned at a right angle and then broadened out into an open valley about half a mile long.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

As for the haunted kloof, it lies to this day in desolation black and utter.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

It was clear that the game had fed slowly and carelessly towards the head of the kloof; their rifles were loaded and cocked; the time of action was very near.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.