Kraal: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
kraal
[ krษหl ]
animal enclosure
A kraal is a traditional African enclosure for livestock, typically constructed from wooden poles or thorn bushes. It serves as a pen for domestic animals such as cattle and goats, providing protection from predators and theft. Kraals are often a focal point in rural communities, reflecting the cultural significance of animal husbandry.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The farmer led the cattle into the kraal at dusk.
- In the village, the kraal was surrounded by huts.
- She spent her mornings tending to the kraal.
- The kraal was fortified to protect against wild animals.
Translations
Translations of the word "kraal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น kraal
๐ฎ๐ณ เคraal
๐ฉ๐ช Kraal
๐ฎ๐ฉ kraal
๐บ๐ฆ ะบraal
๐ต๐ฑ kraal
๐ฏ๐ต ใฏraal
๐ซ๐ท kraal
๐ช๐ธ kraal
๐น๐ท kraal
๐ฐ๐ท ํฌ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ูraal
๐จ๐ฟ kraal
๐ธ๐ฐ kraal
๐จ๐ณ kraal
๐ธ๐ฎ kraal
๐ฎ๐ธ kraal
๐ฐ๐ฟ kraal
๐ฌ๐ช kraal
๐ฆ๐ฟ kraal
๐ฒ๐ฝ kraal
Etymology
The word 'kraal' originates from the Dutch 'kraall', which means 'enclosure, fold, or pen'. It was adopted into English in the 19th century, initially referring to the traditional livestock enclosures found in southern Africa. The term reflects the influence of Dutch colonialism in the region, where the concept of kraals was significant in rural and pastoral societies. Over time, the usage of 'kraal' has expanded beyond just livestock pens to denote cultural and social structures surrounding animal husbandry. The kraal is not only a functional space for keeping animals but also serves as a cultural symbol representing community and heritage, often being central to social gatherings and practices within various tribes.