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.
To experience the highway at its best, visit in spring, when snowmelt sends waterfalls like Multnomah Falls rushing and wildflowers blanket the Gorge. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026 The bombastically—but fittingly—named Devil’s Throat is the standout waterfall here. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Suddenly, with little to no warning, those majestic slopes turned into raging waterfalls. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 Charged drops, the team notes in the paper, form naturally in clouds, thunderstorms, ocean waves, fountains, and waterfalls, as well as in industrial processes like electrostatic spraying and inkjet printing. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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