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

• 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 Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is located two miles west of the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead, a short hike through old-growth rainforest that leads to a picturesque three-pronged waterfall. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

The waterfall is about a 120-mile drive northeast from the main Tennessee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025

The Munising area features a variety of serene waterfalls accessible from local trails, per the visitors bureau. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Two hundred years later, Slott preserved the historic facade while enclosing the rear of the home in glass to overlook the waterfall that once powered the mill. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 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