cliff

noun

: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice
cliffy adjective

Examples of cliff in a Sentence

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below. rock climbers scaling steep cliffs
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 second series investigates deaths involving apparent falls from heights — examining whether victims were pushed from locations like balconies, cliffs and bridges. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 The abode is deliberately sculptural, with sweeping curves that echo the contours of the surrounding cliffs and emulate the rhythm of the Mediterranean below. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025 The woman had been camping with friends near the cliff edge, in the Forest Lakes area, according to a news bulletin from the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Wayne had bagged a good ram about 3 o’clock that after noon, then had worked until dark lowering the ram down a series of cliffs and ledges on the north end of Bennett Mountain. Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cliff

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

cliff

noun
: a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice

More from Merriam-Webster on cliff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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