waterfall

noun

wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfȯl How to pronounce waterfall (audio)
ˈwä-
Synonyms of waterfallnext
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

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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
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.
Camping among the waterfalls and bamboo groves outside Shanghai, Mischa had been Rover Scout to the younger boy’s Tenderfoot. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 Today, nature has reclaimed this idyllic spot—where Ingunn spent childhood summer days picking berries and swimming—with waterfalls and carpets of reindeer moss. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026 On the bottom level, a soundproof movie theater and 1,000-bottle wine cellar join a wellness wing with a gym, sauna, and serene rock waterfall. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 The property also has two resort-style swimming pools, one with waterfalls and a rock-jumping feature, along with a tiki pavilion equipped with grills, televisions and a bar. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waterfall

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Rhymes for waterfall

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Browse Nearby Words

water eryngo
waterfall
water-fast
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Cite this Entry

“Waterfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfall. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

waterfall

noun
wa·​ter·​fall ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl How to pronounce waterfall (audio)
ˈwät-
: a fall of water usually from a great height

More from Merriam-Webster on waterfall

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about waterfall

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