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

The phenomenon results from rapid tidal currents squeezing between two gorges, making the water rush as quickly and dramatically as, well, a waterfall, only horizontally. —Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025

Montmorency Falls, a roughly 15-minute drive east of Quebec, is a 272-foot-tall waterfall with several vantage points, including an observation deck and a suspension bridge. —Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Beneath the threadbare sweater is another case containing a picture of a bucolic waterfall, and beneath that a final cabinet containing green wellington boots with pink toes emerging. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Dynamo chose a special site: Tolima’s Cuevas del Mohan, – a huge 160-foot waterfall cascading down to a small cave beside a river. —John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025

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