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kraal

noun
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\ ˈkrȯl How to pronounce kraal (audio) , ˈkräl \

Definition of kraal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a village of southern African natives
b : the native village community
2 : an enclosure for animals especially in southern Africa

kraal

verb
kraaled; kraaling; kraals

Definition of kraal (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to pen in a kraal

Examples of kraal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Next to each tent was a protective kraal of thorn brush for the animals at night. — Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, "Going Off-Grid in Namibia," 21 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kraal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of kraal

Noun

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1827, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for kraal

Noun

Afrikaans, from Portuguese curral pen for cattle, enclosure, from Vulgar Latin *currale enclosure for vehicles — more at corral

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Time Traveler for kraal

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The first known use of kraal was in 1731

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Cite this Entry

“Kraal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kraal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2020.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kraal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kraal

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with kraal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kraal

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