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

This also comes as no surprise, as Niagara Falls has been named one of the country’s most popular fall foliage destinations, where colorful leaves frame the famous waterfalls. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

The gravity-defying neckline featured wispy metallic silver fringe cascading from its angular edges in a waterfall effect. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

At one point, Pataky playfully shoved her husband into a waterfall. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

From rugged mountain peaks to crystal-clear lakes and plunging waterfalls, Idaho is known for its vast natural wonders. — Idaho Statesman, 29 July 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