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

The Jungfrau Region is situated in southwest Switzerland, in the Bernese Highlands, which is known for its glacial lakes, waterfalls, and stunning valleys. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025

But those changes also created a waterfall effect that had Oliver Stark's Buck feeling a certain way. —Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025

Ciudad Valles The Mexican state of San Luis Potosí is famous for its seemingly unreal, cerulean blue waterfalls. —Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025

Apart from the gorges and cliffs, the area features beautiful waterfalls and rock shelters. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 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