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 flight passes over the breathtaking Niagara Falls, which is considered one of the best waterfalls in the world with more than 3,100 tons of water flowing over every second. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater (1937) remains the most famous example—a home literally suspended over a waterfall, designed in reverence to its rocky surroundings. —Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025

Fanning shared two photos that showed Wenner carrying her and another of the two smiling under a waterfall for the holiday. —Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Nestled on 30 private acres in the South Fork of Provo Canyon, the secluded property threads streams and waterfalls beneath stone bridges, across gentle knolls, and under low-hanging eaves, all hinting at a hobbit-house inspiration without ever tipping into twee fantasy. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025

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