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

Snow blankets the dramatic cliffs, some mountain passes are closed, and ferry services are limited. —David Nikel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The one at Land’s End is perhaps most famous, near the mist and crying seabirds of the Golden Gate (just don’t approach the cliffs). —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024

College enrollment in Tennessee has largely stabilized after a pandemic-era drop-off, but new numbers show one Nashville university is facing a potentially cataclysmic enrollment cliff. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

The county faces a $1 billion capital projects backlog, an unexpected sales tax shortfall, looming departmental fiscal cliffs and the knock-on effect of the Sheriff's Office's struggles to rein in its overtime spending. —Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 29 Oct. 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