cliff

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When this reef was formed 245,000 to 195,000 years ago, the sea level was higher, so that today, the fossil reef sits well out of the water in the cliff face along the Piankatank River. JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025 Those who want to follow states’ guidance to stock up now, before a SNAP cliff, most likely don’t have anything left to budget. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025 For decades, the Algarve has been beloved for its endless sunny days and dramatic coastlines with its picturesque beaches, craggy cliffs, and hidden caves. Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025 With the government shutdown, nearly 112,000 residents across Hamilton County and Northern Kentucky are bracing themselves for a SNAP cliff, just weeks before Thanksgiving. Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cliff

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cliff was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

cliff

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cliff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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