cliff

noun

ˈklif 

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

cliffy

ˈkli-fē 

adjective

Synonyms

• escarpment
• crag
• palisade
• 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

Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell asked Harris if her 107-day run for president was the ultimate glass cliff, or impossible job given to a woman. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

Authorities add that polluted water, marine debris, and unstable cliffs may also pose hazards, according to a webpage from the National Park Service (NPS). —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Kuelap Fortress, considered the Machu Picchu of the north, is a striking wonder perched on top of a cliff that likely served as a religious center. —Jen Richt, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025

The subsidy cliff would also return, meaning families like the Galls wouldn’t qualify for any premium tax credits. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025

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