cliff
klihf
Cliff (noun) means a high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline. Example: “A narrow path winds along the edge of the sea cliff.”
noun
1
A high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline.
"A narrow path winds along the edge of the sea cliff."
"They watched the sunset from the top of the cliff."
"Waves crashed against the base of the cliff."
2
A point where something suddenly and sharply drops off or worsens.
"After the holiday sales ended, the shop's income fell off a cliff."
"Many families fear a cliff in their income when the benefit stops."
"Economists warned the country was heading toward a fiscal cliff."
How to use cliff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA steep rock face, often by the sea, or figuratively any point of sudden, sharp decline.
Common pairings
cliff edge
steep cliff
fall off a cliff
fiscal cliff
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Word forms
- Plural
- cliffs
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A narrow path winds along the edge of the sea _____.
Etymology
From Old English clif, meaning "steep rock face."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cliff
See all rhymes for cliff →Frequently asked questions
What does “cliff” mean?
The word “cliff” means a high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline. In plain terms, a steep rock face, often by the sea, or figuratively any point of sudden, sharp decline.
How do you pronounce “cliff”?
“Cliff” is pronounced klihf (/klɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “cliff” in a sentence?
Here is “cliff” used in a sentence: “They watched the sunset from the top of the cliff.”
What part of speech is “cliff”?
“Cliff” is a noun.
Where does the word “cliff” come from?
The word “cliff” comes from Old English. From Old English clif, meaning "steep rock face.".
Is “cliff” a common word?
“Cliff” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “cliff” have?
“Cliff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline.
What is the difference between a cliff and a bluff?
A cliff is a high, steep face of rock that is often nearly vertical and frequently found along a coastline. A bluff is also a steep slope or headland but tends to be broader and less sheer, sometimes covered with soil or vegetation rather than being bare rock.
What is the difference between a cliff and a precipice?
A cliff is a general term for a high, steep rock face along a coast or inland. A precipice emphasises the sheer, dangerous drop at the very edge, and the word is often used figuratively for the brink of a disaster.
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