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

Soaking in the Blue Lagoon’s milky waters is an unforgettable experience, and the Golden Circle loops past three of Iceland’s most defining sites—Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area. —Ali Wunderman, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025

The resort-style pool offers a refreshing escape with a waterfall and slide feature. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park features 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Colorful plants fill the rockwork lining the walls and waterfalls rush down beside them. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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