cliff

noun

: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice
cliffy adjective

Examples of cliff in a Sentence

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below. rock climbers scaling steep cliffs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The early morning temple grounds are green and quiet, stacks of stone carvings lean against each other inside tall alcoves carved out of the cliff by centuries of water. Rebecca Chace july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025 Looking Forward Merck’s acquisition strategy reflects management’s understanding of the Keytruda cliff and their determination to address it. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 That’s in part because of the legislative cliffs that Republicans set up in the mammoth tax-and-spending bill that President Donald Trump signed earlier this month. semafor.com, 10 July 2025 However, the group ended up driving their van off a cliff after not noticing that the Cow Creek Bridge had been flooded, thanks to the heavy rain and darkness. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cliff

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cliff was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cliff

noun
: a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice

More from Merriam-Webster on cliff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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