cliff

noun

ˈklif 

: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice

cliffy

ˈkli-fē 

adjective

Synonyms

• barranca
• barranco
• bluff
• crag
• escarpment
• palisade
• precipice
• scar
• scarp

Examples of cliff in a Sentence

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below.

rock climbers scaling steep cliffs

Recent Examples on the Web

For climbing, the sandstone cliffs at Long Dong soar above crashing waves. —Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024

Or rappel down 20-million-year-old cliffs in Kangaroo Point. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Even if the glacier's entire ice shelf were to collapse today, the resulting ice cliffs would likely not be tall enough to crumble and trigger the catastrophic chain reaction previously feared. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features the sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula from Munising to Grand Marais, along with sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forests, waterfalls, beaches and wild shoreline. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cliff

• cliff dweller
• cliff-hanger
• cliff swallow

Kids Definition

cliff

noun

ˈklif 

: a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice