goaf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical, Mining Industry
Quick answer
What does “goaf” mean?
In mining, a cavity or space left underground after coal or ore has been extracted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In mining, a cavity or space left underground after coal or ore has been extracted.
The waste material or rubble left behind in a worked-out area of a mine. Sometimes used more generally to refer to any abandoned or empty space resulting from extraction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both UK and US mining terminology, but is more commonly found in older British texts. In modern American mining, 'gob' (from the same etymological root) is often preferred.
Connotations
Both carry the same technical meaning, but 'goaf' may sound slightly more archaic or specifically British.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Its use is confined to historical or technical mining contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “goaf” in a Sentence
The [mineral] was extracted, leaving a vast goaf.Workers avoided the unstable [area/near] the goaf.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goaf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective use]
American English
- [No standard adjective use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, geological, or mining engineering texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in mining to describe the cavity left after extraction, with implications for safety (roof collapse, gas buildup) and planning.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goaf”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'they goafed the coal').
- Confusing it with 'gulf' or 'gaffe'.
- Assuming it has a meaning outside of mining.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly technical term specific to mining and is virtually unknown in everyday language.
They are variants stemming from the same origin. 'Gob' is more common in modern American mining usage, while 'goaf' is often associated with British or older texts. Both refer to the waste or cavity in a mine.
No, it is exclusively a noun. The process is 'to extract' or 'to mine', the result is 'a goaf'.
Because goafs are inherently unstable, can fill with toxic or explosive gases, and can cause surface subsidence. Their management is a critical safety and engineering concern.
In mining, a cavity or space left underground after coal or ore has been extracted.
Goaf is usually technical, mining industry in register.
Goaf: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəʊf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡoʊf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a mine 'GOing AFter' the coal, leaving a GOAF behind.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMPTINESS IS A DANGEROUS LEGACY (The goaf is the empty, hazardous remainder of a productive activity).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the word 'goaf'?