cliff

noun

ˈklif 

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

cliffy

ˈkli-fē 

adjective

Synonyms

• barranca
• barranco
• bluff
• crag
• escarpment
• palisade
• precipice
• scar
• scarp

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

Explore over 10 miles of trails, including a loop that goes along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024

The bigger picture For the past several months, labor market indicators have been trending lower, though far from falling off a cliff. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024

Galadriel escapes Sauron by jumping off a cliff into water, but the crown leaves her with a spiritual wound that Elrond (Robert Aramayo) and Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) must heal after the elves lose the battle of Eregion. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024

Zoom in: Prices were already rising fast before the cliff. —Emily Peck, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

cliff

noun

ˈklif 

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