What does KRAAL mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun, verb

Definitions

Noun: A traditional African village, typically enclosed by a fence and inhabited by people and livestock.

Verb: Enclose (an area) with a fence, typically for keeping livestock.

Pronunciations

US: /krɑl/

UK: /krɑːl/

Origin and Usage

The word "kraal" comes from the Dutch language, where it means "enclosure" or "pen." It was adopted into English during the colonial period in Africa, where it was used to refer to traditional African villages that were enclosed by a fence or wall to keep livestock in and predators out. Today, the term is still used in Africa to refer to these traditional villages, and the verb form is used to describe the act of enclosing an area with a fence or wall.

Synonyms

Enclosure, pen, corral, compound, stockade

Related Words

Corral, fence, wall, pen

Example Sentences

Noun: The village consisted of several huts and a central kraal for the livestock.

Verb: The farmer decided to kraal the sheep to prevent them from wandering into the neighboring field.