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 Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in North Georgia is a 40-mile loop known for waterfalls, overlooks, and sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

In June, an 18-year-old man also died after falling over a waterfall in Olympic National Park in Washington. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

At the same time, among the most striking findings was clear evidence of surface melting and a phenomenon known as the reverse waterfall effect, both of which were intentionally triggered during JET’s final operational pulses. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, or the top of the waterfall. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 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