cliff

noun

ˈklif 

: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice

cliffy

ˈkli-fē 

adjective

Synonyms of cliff

• escarpment
• palisade
• crag
• bluff

Examples of cliff in a Sentence

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below.

rock climbers scaling steep cliffs

Recent Examples on the Web

Built directly into the limestone cliffs on the western tip of Negril, Rockhouse—which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year—is undeniably striking. —Annie Daly, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026

Add to the experience by staying at Argos, a monastery turned luxe hotel with rooms carved into the cliffs. —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 2 Jan. 2026

Unlike the colorful, layered cliffs and domes Capitol Reef is known for, Glass Mountain feels almost metaphysical. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

In northwestern Thailand, in the Pang Mapha district and Mae Hong Son province, there's yet another example of elevated cave burial – though no cliff suspension is evident, possibly due to the suitability of the environment. —New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cliff

• cliff dweller
• cliff-hanger
• cliff swallow

Rhymes for cliff

• biff
• diff
• glyph
• griff
• if
• riff
• schiff
• skiff
• sniff
• stiff
• tiff
• whiff

Kids Definition

cliff

noun

ˈklif 

: a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice