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

Riders pass waterfalls, deep gorges, alpine lakes, historic sites, and sweeping mountain views while climbing nearly 3,000 feet. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026

Green said the wreckage on the highway created a new waterfall and caused damage to small bridges, while also cutting off power. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

The archival skirt flared into textured layers, sewn to create a waterfall effect down Sink’s legs. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026

The boats are flanked by cascading waterfalls, and mountains that appear to curve in on themselves. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 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