Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun South Africa A traditional circular house, typically with a conical roof.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From South African Dutch rondawel ( > Afrikaans rondawel), of uncertain origin.

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Examples

  • George is in the process of making an earth oven outside the cabin, and the rondavel is his workshop.

    Hotel review | Annie's Ecolog Cabin, Ludlow 2010

  • They lived in a "rondavel" style farmhouse - because it was so remote the only children he had to play with were the kids of the Zulu farm workers families.

    unknown title 2009

  • Our beds in Madakeni are mattresses on the floor of a spotlessly clean rondavel, a traditional circular dwelling of mud and straw that is airy and cool, with a window looking out to sea.

    South Africa beyond the World Cup: hiking in the wild east Gavin Bell 2010

  • They closed me in and herded me toward a large rondavel at the far side of the massive circle of huts.

    Archive 2008-11-01 Lauri 2008

  • They closed me in and herded me toward a large rondavel at the far side of the massive circle of huts.

    The Butterfly People Lauri 2008

  • “No ways will it reach the house,” he asserted as the rondavel on the anthill, thatch sagging under the weight of the rain, became an island in a coffee-colored sea.

    Rainbow’s End Lauren St John 2007

  • During the retreat, Dr. Chamango and Pastor Mbanza offered us the use of a small rondavel hut on the Antioka grounds, one of nine used to house patients of the mission hospital until Renamo forces burned much of the property in the mid-1980s.

    Where Women Make History: Gendered Tellings of Community and Change in Magude, Mozambique 2005

  • “No ways will it reach the house,” he asserted as the rondavel on the anthill, thatch sagging under the weight of the rain, became an island in a coffee-colored sea.

    Rainbow’s End Lauren St John 2007

  • Alexandra woke alone, and as she rolled over inside the mosquito-net tent, she winced at the bright sunlight flooding the rondavel.

    Hollywood Husband Contract Wife Porter, Jane 2006

  • He picked up a bottle of wine and a glass, and with her hand tucked into his they walked away from the lodge and down the flattened grass path to their rondavel.

    Hollywood Husband Contract Wife Porter, Jane 2006

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