rockfall

noun

rock·​fall ˈräk-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rockfall (audio)
: a mass of falling or fallen rocks

Examples of rockfall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Travelers previously descended into the canyon along steep switchback roads prone to rockfalls or took long detours around the gorge, routes that added more than an hour to travel time. Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026 Erosion is a persistent concern on Tristan, where rockfalls and landslides are common. NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 The hours for Summit Road vary by season, and rockfalls or weather may close it occasionally. Chris Mueller, Des Moines Register, 9 Mar. 2026 Visitors should also expect winds anywhere from 20 to 40 miles per hour, which could cause trees to fall, rockfall, and other debris to obstruct roads. Owen Clarke, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rockfall

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rockfall was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Rockfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rockfall. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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