waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwä-

1

a

: a perpendicular or very steep descent of the water of a stream

b

: an artificial waterfall (as in a hotel lobby or a nightclub)

2

: something resembling a waterfall

Synonyms of waterfall

• cascade

Examples of waterfall in a Sentence

I used to like to throw sticks in the stream and watch them go over the waterfall.

Recent Examples on the Web

The park has 25 stops where visitors can see waterfalls, Buddhist statues, a lake filled with koi, meditation terraces and bonsai collections. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

Chase waterfalls like Yellow Branch Falls, Issaqueena Falls, and Station Cove Falls. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Rustic paved paths and boardwalks wind past waterfalls and across streams in this enchanting forest reserve. —Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026

Or seek out the dramatic waterfall capped with a temple to Sybille. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for waterfall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwät-

: a fall of water usually from a great height