1
: a frozen waterfall
2
: the mass of usually jagged blocks into which a glacier may break when it moves down a steep declivity
Examples of icefall in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The park’s waterfalls flow strongest from March through June and transform into dramatic icefalls in winter.
—
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
In recent history, the most deadly avalanche took place in Washington state in June 1981, when 11 climbers — one guide and 10 clients — were killed during an icefall avalanche on Mount Rainier, according to HistoryLink.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 18 Feb. 2026
Elite Sherpas, called icefall doctors, go in first.
—Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
With a settling crack, the icefall adjusts its position once more.
—Maya Silver, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for icefall
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Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
In recent history, the most deadly avalanche took place in Washington state in June 1981, when 11 climbers — one guide and 10 clients — were killed during an icefall avalanche on Mount Rainier, according to HistoryLink.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 18 Feb. 2026
Elite Sherpas, called icefall doctors, go in first.
—Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
With a settling crack, the icefall adjusts its position once more.
—Maya Silver, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for icefall
Cite this Entry
“Icefall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icefall. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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