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.
Instead of sheer cliffs and waterfalls, the landscape is open and often windswept. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Renderings show a combined living and dining room lined with floor-to-ceiling glass, while the sleek adjacent kitchen is centered on a waterfall island. — Mark David, Robb Report, 4 July 2026 This Middle Tennessee gem has everything from whiskey to waterfalls. — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Police searched the surrounding area and mountains, reported Asahi Shimbun, while Japan Today noted that a police dog detected a human scent near the waterfall. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 1 July 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 10 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of waterfall for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about waterfall

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