rockfall

noun

rock·​fall ˈräk-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rockfall (audio)
: a mass of falling or fallen rocks

Examples of rockfall in a Sentence

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 Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office reminded the public that the Avalanche Gulch route is not recommended at this time of year due to deteriorating conditions, rockfall and winter weather, as is posted at the trailhead. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 That would be an astonishing mistake, right up there with the rappelling error and the rockfall on East Butt. — Daniel Duane, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 But over the years, landslides, coastal erosion and rockfalls have also threatened the stability of what’s officially known as the LOSSAN Corridor (short for Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) in parts of coastal Orange County. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 In parts of Europe with a danger of rockfall or avalanche, there are often minimum speed limits rather than maximums. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rockfall

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rockfall was in 1901

Rhymes for rockfall

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Browse Nearby Words

rock falcon
rockfall
rock fastener
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rockfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rockfall. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rockfall

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rockfall

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