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

Friedman, in an effort to continue to extend the Dodgers’ run of success, has kept in mind the cliff that successful veteran teams can fall off of, if the roster isn’t properly backfilled. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

The dog’s owner led the climbers to the cliff, which is about a half mile from the nearest 4x4 trail. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

The 37,598-square-foot residence sits on a cliff overlooking the sea in Punta Águila. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026

Italy’s tourism site notes that professional divers leap from the cliffs during organized events. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 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