waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwä-

1

a

: a perpendicular or very steep descent of the water of a stream

b

: an artificial waterfall (as in a hotel lobby or a nightclub)

2

: something resembling a waterfall

Synonyms

• cascade
• cataract
• fall(s)

Examples of waterfall in a Sentence

I used to like to throw sticks in the stream and watch them go over the waterfall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Draws here include the dreamy cobblestoned streets in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec; Montmorency Falls, a waterfall that’s even higher than Niagara Falls; and a food scene that’s one of the most vibrant in the country. —Juliet Izon, Glamour, 3 May 2024

On a trip to the Oregon coast in late April, amateur photographer Michael Sanchez took his new camera out to Hug Point State Park to snap pictures of waterfalls. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwät-

: a fall of water usually from a great height