cliff

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Linda is prepared to take matters into her own hands when Nicky orchestrates a drone attack to incapacitate her, after which Charity pushes Linda off the cliff to her death. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025 The fiscal cliff was first reported by New York Focus in February. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025 However, the Michigan product's production fell off a cliff toward the end of his college career. Bryce Lazenby, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 In addition, several media and press reports suggested Microsoft was pulling back its data center commitments and canceling leases, which some took as a sign that demand was falling off a cliff. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cliff

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cliff was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cliff

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cliff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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