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

Six world-class interior designers were given a blank canvas to create their interiors, and the results are strikingly different, from Luca Dini’s waterfall through the superyacht’s two-level beach club to the large picture windows on the interior salon by Francois Zuretti. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024

This waterfall hike, a rarity for the area, winds along the park boundary. —Alison Osius, Outside Online, 1 Nov. 2024

The police investigation unfolded all across the nation, from the Southwest, where the bones were found, to a DNA lab in Texas, and finally to Trout Creek, Michigan, in the western Upper Peninsula and home to one of Michigan’s most picturesque waterfalls. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024

Here, guests are treated to a second game drive and a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 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