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 meltwater pouring off Bråsvellbreen like waterfalls, though breathtakingly beautiful, was another sobering reminder of the consequences of global warming. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Climb Iceland’s highest peak alongside expert mountaineering guides, or hike to waterfalls and hidden corners rarely included in conventional itineraries. — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

Mike’s home includes a roughly 14,000-square-foot outdoor yard with a stream, waterfall, two pools and a large rock that stays warm in winter and cool in summer, along with about 1,000 square feet of indoor space. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Hilly trails and waterfalls beckon hikers, but Lake Superior’s insulating effect means peak color can be tricky to time. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 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
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl 

ˈwät-

: a fall of water usually from a great height