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 eye is drawn to an expansive wall on the backside of the pool with a roaring waterfall feature. —Sacbee.com, 6 Dec. 2025

The 50,000-square-foot wellness space channels the grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace with intricate Moorish architectural influences and a lush courtyard, home to a private pool and waterfall whirlpools. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

For example, Canaima National Park in Salto Angel is home to the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, and Los Roqyes Archipelago is touted for its white sand and turquoise waters. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Head to nearby downtown Marquette and the surrounding area to book your lodging, visit art galleries and museums, check out frozen waterfalls, dine at local restaurants, hike trails, watch performances at local theaters and more. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Dec. 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