waterfall
3 synonyms for waterfall, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A place where a stream or river drops steeply over a cliff or rock ledge.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use waterfall
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a roaring waterfall
chase a waterfall
Etymology
From Old English wæterġefeall, formed from water plus fall.
Full origin of waterfall →Frequently asked questions
What does “waterfall” mean?
The word “waterfall” means a place where a stream or river drops steeply over a cliff or rock ledge. In plain terms, a steep drop where a river or stream falls over rocks, or (informally) drinking without touching the container to your lips.
How do you pronounce “waterfall”?
“Waterfall” is pronounced WAW-tuh-fawl (/ˈwɔːtəfɔːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “waterfall” in a sentence?
Here is “waterfall” used in a sentence: “Tourists gathered to photograph the roaring waterfall.”
What part of speech is “waterfall”?
Depending on how it is used, “waterfall” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “waterfall” come from?
The word “waterfall” comes from Old English. From Old English wæterġefeall, formed from water plus fall.
Is “waterfall” a common word?
“Waterfall” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “waterfall” have?
“Waterfall” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a place where a stream or river drops steeply over a cliff or rock ledge.
What is the difference between a waterfall and a cascade?
A waterfall is a place where a stream or river drops steeply over a cliff or rock ledge, and the term applies broadly to any size of drop. Cascade often specifically describes a smaller waterfall or a series of small drops, though the words overlap in general use.
What does it mean to waterfall a drink?
To waterfall means to drink from a bottle or can by pouring the liquid into the mouth from a distance, without touching the container to the lips. It is an informal drinking technique rather than a formal dictionary sense tied to geography.
Is waterfall used as a verb in standard English?
Yes, waterfall functions as a verb meaning to pour a drink into the mouth without contact, in addition to its more common use as a noun for the natural landform. This verb sense is informal and situational rather than a formal or technical term.
