rondavel

English

Rondavels as chalets at a resort

Rondavel house in Botswana

Etymology

From Afrikaans rondawel.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹɒnˈdɑːv(ə)l/

Noun

rondavel (plural rondavels)

1. (South Africa) A traditional circular design of house, typically with a conical roof, commonly thatched. Still used in rural regions, but also popular as a theme in the ambience of resorts, either as chalets or as cheap utility buildings.
   • 1963, Basutoland. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural implements and storage facilities‎^[1]:

     For instance those households which only have a single dwelling unit may use it as a kitchen, living room and sleeping room whether it be a hut, a rondavel or a house.

   • 1994, Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela, London: Abacus, published 2010, page 18:

     The buildings consisted of two iingxande (or rectangular houses) and seven stately rondavels (superior huts), all washed in white lime, dazzling even in the light of the setting sun.

Anagrams

• Landover, overland