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

Turtlehead is the perfect choice for bog or rain gardens or alongside koi ponds and waterfalls. —Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026

The park’s waterfalls flow strongest from March through June and transform into dramatic icefalls in winter. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026

Many of Iceland’s pools are immersed in nature, combining water therapy with dramatic landscapes of jagged mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lava fields. —Lauren Breedlove, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026

The sleek white and wood kitchen has a waterfall peninsula and a compact, stainless-steel fridge. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 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