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

With ten inland beaches and nearly 100 miles of trails, the area is also famous for more than 42 miles of colorful, 200-foot-tall sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and sandy beaches. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 12 Mar. 2026

The waterfall is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of the state capital, Salem, and roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Portland. —ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

Each hideaway is a maze of split levels and staircases latticed by a waterfall and two plunge pools. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026

The chairs’ waterfall edges are comfortable and won’t dig into the back of your legs, and the loveseat has ample space for two. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 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
• 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