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

See the bluebonnets against the backdrop of waterfalls and rugged terrain. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

The ‘waterfall method’ of change is well known to business leaders—a sequential plan where projects are strictly defined and work is often driven through divisional silos with little opportunity for re-assessment. —Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

Encompassing almost 867,000 acres, the national forest is home to miles of freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, numerous campgrounds, and plenty of space to hike and breathe in the fresh mountain air. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

Of course, there would be tears during the movie—waterfalls! —Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 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