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

Outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty to choose from when curating an itinerary, so why not begin with a crowd pleaser and take yourself on a tour of the region’s waterfalls? —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025

Ready To Chase Africa’s Wildest Thrills? From swimming inches away from a 355-foot drop at Devil’s Pool to rappelling 670 feet down a waterfall in Lesotho, Africa’s adventure scene is diverse. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Indian River Trail Follow the beautiful Indian River about four miles (one way) to arrive at a dramatic waterfall on the Indian River Trail, also known as the Kaasda Héen Trail. —Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025

Clustered around a central waterfall, the rooms splinter off, with themes and motifs like bubbles and digital crows that fly from one installation to another. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for waterfall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwät-

: a fall of water usually from a great height