IPA: //vleɪ//
KK: /vleɪ/
A wet area of land that is often marshy or has standing water, typically found in low-lying regions.
The vlei was home to many birds and other wildlife.
The word 'vlei' originates from Afrikaans, derived from the Dutch word 'vlei', meaning a marsh or wetland. It refers specifically to a low-lying area that is often flooded or has standing water.
Think of the Dutch word 'vlei' which means a marshy area — this helps you remember that 'vlei' refers to a wetland.