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.
Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False The cliff faces in the video are not tree stumps. Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Shots of the island’s raw, jagged cliffs and almost acid-green vegetation are bound to mesmerize. Aislyn Greene, AFAR Media, 19 Feb. 2025 This vibrant destination, filled with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Walnut Street Bridge, will tug on the heart strings of both nature lovers and the city enthusiasts. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025 If Mihailovic makes the USMNT roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, the Rapids cannot drop off a cliff when that time comes. Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 1 Mar. 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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