waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfȯl How to pronounce waterfall (audio)
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

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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for waterfall 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterfall was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near waterfall

Cite this Entry

“Waterfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfall. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

waterfall

noun
wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl How to pronounce waterfall (audio)
ˈwät-
: a fall of water usually from a great height

More from Merriam-Webster on waterfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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