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

• 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

Though expert hikers can make the round trip in a day, many take up to three, granting extra time to float in swimming holes, scope out waterfalls, and take in the hanging valleys and lush forests pouring into the sea. —Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025

Notable stops on this stretch include the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse, scenic pullouts along Stevens Pass, and Wallace Falls State Park, with its cascading waterfalls framed by autumn foliage. —Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025

When the boat started getting too close to the waterfall, Tyler attempted to push it around with a board that proved to be too short. —Susan Young, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

Texas Tech is now right in the middle of the College Playoff Football talk, and with that brings a waterfall of attention and publicity. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 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