What does karoo mean?
Karoo denotes a semi-arid region of southern Africa, especially the dry plateau and surrounding country of South Africa. It refers to a landscape of broad skies, sparse vegetation, rocky or sandy ground, and highly variable rainfall, with river courses and reservoirs serving as important sources of water. The region is known for its hardy plants, drought-adapted animals and dramatic seasonal displays of wildflowers after rain. Although often loosely called a desert, the Karoo is properly described as semi-arid because substantial parts receive enough seasonal precipitation for temporary plant growth. The name is most commonly associated with South Africa, where Great Karoo and Little Karoo are recognized geographical divisions, and it also gives their names to several plants and protected sites. In broader literary or ecological usage, the term can describe other dry landscapes with a similarly sparse, open character. It should normally be capitalized when referring to the established geographical region.
A semi-arid region or plain of southern Africa, especially the dry plateau and surrounding country of South Africa; more broadly, an arid or semi-arid landscape resembling that region.
"The road crossed the Karoo for hours without passing a town."
Capitalize Karoo when naming the established geographical region, as in the Karoo, Great Karoo, and Little Karoo. The broader common-noun sense is less common and can sound literary.
Relating to the Karoo region or to a landscape of the same dry, sparsely vegetated character.
"A drought-resistant aloe was among the Karoo plants growing in the garden."
Usually capitalized as Karoo when it refers directly to the geographical region; the lowercase adjectival use is uncommon.
The established geographical name normally has no plural. The form karoos is used chiefly for distinct dry regions regarded as having Karoo-like characteristics.
"The survey team crossed several karoos that had been closed to travellers by drought."
Despite its desert-like reputation, the Karoo is formally semi-arid: much of it receives enough seasonal rain to support remarkable bursts of wildflowers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does karoo come from?
The word entered English through Afrikaans as karoo. Its ultimate source is traced to Khoekhoe, the language of the Khoekhoe peoples of southern Africa, and the term has historically been associated with the region's great thirst and relative barrenness. In South African English, it developed a firmly established geographical meaning for the country's semi-arid interior and adjoining dry country.
How karoo is actually used
The geographical region is normally capitalized: the Karoo, Great Karoo, or Little Karoo. In British and South African English, the term may also be used attributively for people, plants, animals or landscapes associated with the region. Its broader use as a common noun for comparable dry country is less frequent and can sound literary.