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

Individual work assignments are established through a waterfall process in which corporate strategies and initiatives are distilled into activities or projects that can be assigned to functional departments. —Mark Settle, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Skies need to be clear, and any sort of haze or clouds could diminish or altogether stop the waterfall from glowing. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025

Related Articles Marin County waterfalls roar to life after recent rains Skelton: California farmers bought Trump’s election pitch. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

And Singapore’s Changi Airport is often ranked as the best in the world and has no shortage of attractions, such as the Jewel complex, with its record-breaking waterfall and indoor garden. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025

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