noun
Uncommon
Cliffs
klihfs
Cliffs (noun) means the plural of cliff: steep, high rock faces, often along a coastline. Example: “The hikers stopped to admire the white cliffs stretching along the shore.”
noun
1
The plural of cliff: steep, high rock faces, often along a coastline.
"The hikers stopped to admire the white cliffs stretching along the shore."
"Waves crashed against the base of the cliffs all afternoon."
2
Informally, condensed study notes covering a book or subject (from the brand "Cliffs Notes").
"She skimmed the cliffs notes the night before the exam instead of reading the whole novel."
How to use Cliffs
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMore than one cliff — a steep rock face — or, informally, a shortened summary of a book.
Common pairings
towering cliffs
the edge of the cliffs
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The hikers stopped to admire the white _____ stretching along the shore.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Cliffs” mean?
The word “Cliffs” means the plural of cliff: steep, high rock faces, often along a coastline. In plain terms, more than one cliff — a steep rock face — or, informally, a shortened summary of a book.
How do you pronounce “Cliffs”?
“Cliffs” is pronounced klihfs (/klɪfs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Cliffs” in a sentence?
Here is “Cliffs” used in a sentence: “The hikers stopped to admire the white cliffs stretching along the shore.”
What part of speech is “Cliffs”?
“Cliffs” is a noun.
Is “Cliffs” a common word?
“Cliffs” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Cliffs” have?
“Cliffs” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the plural of cliff: steep, high rock faces, often along a coastline.
What does it mean when someone asks for "the Cliffs" of a book or article?
It's informal shorthand for asking for condensed study notes or a brief summary, referencing the brand "Cliffs Notes," which offers shortened guides to books and subjects. It implies wanting the key points rather than reading the whole thing.
What is the difference between "cliff" and "cliffs"?
"Cliff" is the singular form referring to one steep, high rock face, while "cliffs" is its plural, describing multiple such rock faces, often along a coastline.
Where does the informal use of "Cliffs" for summary notes come from?
It comes from the brand name "Cliffs Notes," a series of condensed study guides, and has become a casual shorthand term for any brief summary of a book or topic.
