kloof

American  

[kloof] / kluf /

noun

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

---

kloof British  

/ kluːf /

noun

1. a mountain pass or gorge in southern Africa

---

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

See Examples For:

kloof

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 H.A. Bryden

After about a mile, the kloof into which this poort debouched suddenly narrowed and turned left-handed at right angles to our course.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden

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 G. A. (George Alfred) Henty

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 H.A. Bryden

He was helpful and agreeable during the walk; and his appreciation of everything when they descended into the green twilight of the kloof pleased the girl: she shared in his enthusiasm.

From The Stronger Influence by F.E. Mills Young

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---