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

At Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall on the New River, about half an hour from the Gorge, wide sheets of water spill over ledges and boulders on tiny forested islands. —West Virginia Tourism, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025

The real showstopper, though, is the estate’s terraced waterfall, which comes with its own light show, courtesy of more than 100 LED lights, 17 falls, 10 jumping jets, eight fire braziers, a fog machine, and a holographic water screen. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 May 2025

Ellijay, Georgia is filled with rustic charms like apple orchards, waterfalls, and breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 May 2025

But hiking to a waterfall is so much more than a photograph. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 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