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

The Venetian Pool, built from coral rock with waterfalls and cave-like grottos, is filled daily with 820,000 gallons of spring water from the underground Biscayne ​Aquifer. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 Nov. 2025

Burdette custom walnut cabinetry is paired with Taj Mahal quartzite counters and a 15-foot waterfall island. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2025

Torres del Paine National Park is home to miles-long glaciers, turquoise-blue lakes, towering granite peaks, waterfalls and rare wildlife. —Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025

The trails can get slippery, but careful hikers may be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of frozen waterfalls and intricate natural ice sculptures. —Adam Stone, USA Today, 18 Nov. 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