kloof
Americannoun
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Another mile of this canal-like kloof brought us to an opening, and here a most singular sight lay before my vision.
From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden
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 H.A. Bryden
The wind is right enough, it blows fair down the kloof.
From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden
One of them was ordered to act as sentry near the kloof, and bring back word at once should any movement take place.
From The Curse of Carne's Hold A Tale of Adventure by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
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 J. D. (John Daniel) Kestell
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