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

Goodrick had gone for a few moments to the back door, which faced partly towards the entrance to the kloof, and found Cupido standing there, seemingly listening intently.

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

Since Jan Prinsloo’s fearful ending, which will be hereafter alluded to, the kloof has borne an evil reputation.

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

A moment later and they were out of the kloof, and riding at full speed across the open.

From The Curse of Carne's Hold A Tale of Adventure by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

What beautiful views of kloof, valley, and mountain presented themselves everywhere!

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)

I remember how terrified I was at the Zuurberg that day, down the kloof, when you crashed through the bushes.

From The Stronger Influence by Young, F.E. Mills