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

Big adventure day For an even longer point-to-point journey, leave the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall and take the Gabrielino Trail all the way to Switzer Falls, asking a friend to pick you up at the Switzer Picnic Area at a specific time. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Placer County Hidden Falls Regional Park, Auburn Hidden Falls Regional Park has miles of multi-use trails, waterfall viewing decks, picnic areas and open-space scenery. —CBS News, 18 June 2026

There are plenty of other sites—waterfalls, glaciers, and semi-hidden hot springs—but another must-visit is Kerling, an 82-foot volcanic rock formation jutting out between a handful of hillsides. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026

This herd meanders amid waterfalls in the dense tropical valley. —Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 17 June 2026

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
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwät-

: a fall of water usually from a great height