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 of waterfall

• cascade

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

Piles of garbage and sewage cascaded like waterfalls. —Arkansas Online, 12 Dec. 2025

Located a few minutes from the village of Skaneateles, the new property promises access to the natural beauty of the region that’s perhaps best known for its wineries and waterfalls, not to mention those gorgeous glacial lakes. —Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

The 80-minute tour features an underground waterfall, striking formations and rare Ice Age animal bones about 40,000 years old. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 10 Dec. 2025

The decidedly modern, spa-like primary bathroom features a sculptural soaking tub and full-wall waterfall mural. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 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