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

Seen from behind, the gown descended into a waterfall drapery with overlapping layers of white and green satin—a tribute to the colors of the Pakistani flag. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

This spring, just outside the dining room, Shahniani will add the Expoterrace, a relaxing patio with a fountain, waterfalls and lush plants inspired by Living with the Land at Epcot in Florida. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Linville Falls Trail at Linville Gorge, NC The short one-mile Linville Falls Trail delivers extraordinary views of waterfalls and mountain ranges on the Blue Ridge Parkway. —Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Drive 30 minutes east to the Columbia River Gorge and hike to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall. —Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 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