cliff

1 of 2

noun

ˈklif 

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

cliffy

ˈkli-fē 

adjective

cliffy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkli-fē 

-er/-est

: characterized by or abounding in cliffs : steep, craggy

a cliffy shoreline

Synonyms of cliff

Noun

• escarpment
• palisade
• crag
• bluff

Examples of cliff in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Scientists may have uncovered evidence of a colossal ancient cliff that stretched across much of North America and helped expose rocks now visible deep inside the Grand Canyon hundreds of millions of years before the modern canyon formed. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Nattai National Park is only around 50 miles from Sydney as the crow flies, but is known for its rugged terrain and giant sandstone cliffs. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

The defining feature of the property is its location directly on the Blue Flag–awarded Glyfada Beach, at the base of dramatic cliffs dotted with pine forests. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

New development the Strand sits organically on the low cliffs of Cooper Jack Bay, while the Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave offers seven beautifully outfitted bedrooms across an open-plan, airy villa on postcard-perfect Leeward Beach. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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