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

For those who have stood beneath Zion's towering sandstone cliffs and immediately started plotting a return trip, this little pairing is a fun way to keep the scenery close. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026

Each is strategically written with a hook, a spike and a cliff hanger to get viewers onto the next episode. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

Another mathematician, James Grime, made the problem more accessible by translating it into a puzzle narrative, involving someone held captive between angry snakes in front of them and a precipitous cliff behind them. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

Then our catamaran pulled away, the shoreline opened up into volcanic rock, pale limestone cliffs, and small churches perched high above the water. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 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