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.
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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 shop is an easy addition to a fall trip through Tucker County, where visitors can also hike, see waterfalls and take in the changing leaves. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Olson crushed a breaking ball for a 422-foot homer, his 32nd of the year, into the waterfall in center field. — Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 Visitors can also pan for gold, visit a railroad museum, hike nearby waterfalls, ride horses, and combine the experience with a Yosemite vacation. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 Plan for at least three days to experience the route without rushing, and don’t hesitate to linger at any point along the way—many of the best overlooks, beaches, and waterfalls are just a short walk from the highway. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 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 13 Aug. 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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