cliff

noun

ˈklif How to pronounce cliff (audio)
Synonyms of cliffnext
: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice
cliffy
ˈkli-fē How to pronounce cliff (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of cliff

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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.
As a shocking chart by the Wall Street Journal illustrates, the amount of capital spent on non-data center construction in the US has quite literally fallen off a cliff, while the capital deployed to build data centers soars into the stratosphere. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026 Perched along Positano’s cliffs, the hotel soothes the soul and stirs the senses. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Sadly, this train has been careening off a cliff for the better part of the season. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Progress has been hampered by persistent rain and challenging terrain, as crews have to work in a narrow mountain gorge, hemmed in between unstable cliffs and a fast-flowing river. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing cliff

Rhymes for cliff

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Browse Nearby Words

clies
cliff
cliff brake
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Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cliff

noun
ˈklif How to pronounce cliff (audio)
: a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice

More from Merriam-Webster on cliff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cliff

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