cascade
kas-KAYD
Cascade (noun) means a waterfall, or a series of small waterfalls tumbling down in stages. Example: “A gentle cascade fell over the mossy rocks behind the cabin.”
noun
1
A waterfall, or a series of small waterfalls tumbling down in stages.
"A gentle cascade fell over the mossy rocks behind the cabin."
"Tourists photographed the cascade as it dropped through the gorge."
2
A rapid chain of events, where each one triggers the next.
"One resignation triggered a cascade of others across the department."
verb
1
To flow or fall in stages, like a waterfall; or to happen as a chain reaction.
"Water cascaded down the terraced fountain."
"The failure in one server cascaded through the whole network."
How to use cascade
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething falling or spreading in stages, one part triggering the next, like water down a series of steps.
Common pairings
a cascade of events
cascade down
cascading effect
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Word forms
- Plural
- cascades
- Third person singular
- cascades
- Past tense
- cascaded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A gentle _____ fell over the mossy rocks behind the cabin.
Etymology
From French cascade, borrowed from Italian cascata ("a fall"), from cascare, "to fall" — ultimately from Latin cadere.
Synonyms
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shower
cascade down
Related words
Rhymes for cascade
See all rhymes for cascade →Frequently asked questions
What does “cascade” mean?
The word “cascade” means a waterfall, or a series of small waterfalls tumbling down in stages. In plain terms, something falling or spreading in stages, one part triggering the next, like water down a series of steps.
How do you pronounce “cascade”?
“Cascade” is pronounced kas-KAYD (/kæsˈkeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “cascade” in a sentence?
Here is “cascade” used in a sentence: “A gentle cascade fell over the mossy rocks behind the cabin.”
What part of speech is “cascade”?
Depending on how it is used, “cascade” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cascade” come from?
The word “cascade” comes from Latin. From French cascade, borrowed from Italian cascata ("a fall"), from cascare, "to fall" — ultimately from Latin cadere.
Is “cascade” a common word?
“Cascade” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cascade” have?
“Cascade” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a waterfall, or a series of small waterfalls tumbling down in stages.
