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

That doesn’t mean the ability of 38-year-old Stafford appears to be falling off a cliff. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Well, this, a ridiculously starry gonzo romp that invites an international A-list cast to jump off a cliff in the pursuit of the most eccentric kind of entertainment. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

The cliff of experience behind the Las Vegas Aces veteran, who turns 34 next month, drops pretty steeply. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Intense wind and surging waves from Hurricane Lowell damaged oceanfront resorts, ripped apart roads and knocked out power early this week on Kauai, known for its stunning tropical landscapes, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. — Gene Johnson, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026

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