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

Young couples hold hands, staring up in awe at four-story, frozen waterfalls. —Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026

Massanutten Resort, Virginia Climb to the top of Massanutten Resort's towering playhouse for a good overview of all the water cannons and waterfalls, as well as the giant tipping bucket. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2026

The village of Low Row, home to historic farmhouses and waterfalls, is also featured. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Those looking to tackle something more challenging can take the Wildcat Rock hike, a 4-mile route exclusive to hotel guests that goes through stone formations and by a waterfall. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 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