waterfall

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.

“Waterfall” is pronounced WAW-tuh-fawl (/ˈwɔːtəfɔːl/ in IPA).

Here is “waterfall” used in a sentence: “Tourists gathered to photograph the roaring waterfall.”

Depending on how it is used, “waterfall” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “waterfall” comes from Old English. From Old English wæterġefeall, formed from water plus fall.

“Waterfall” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.