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waterfall

waterfall

119 1.0
A place where water falls over a high drop in a river or stream
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔːtərfɔːl/
translation icon : cascada
  • We are actually off to go see this waterfall right now, which is Akaka Falls.
  • rivers and waterfalls
  • cascading waterfalls
  • waterfalls flow

And check this out, a waterfall in Central Park, New York City.

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Examples

  • We can find crashing waves, roaring waterfalls, or tranquil reflections in a pond or a stream.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Silver Falls, another beautiful waterfall, is 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles) away from SaPa.

    Academic text (2006)
  • And check this out, a waterfall in Central Park, New York City.

  • - I am so excited to see the waterfall.

  • We just went over a waterfall!

  • That's that waterfall, and the air was so fresh you could taste it.

  • At the bottom, behind the waterfall, there's an entrance.

  • There was even a small pond with a waterfall constructed of red granite blocks.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • There are even websites dedicated to waterfalls (with pictures), covering specific regions in the US.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The majestic waterfall cascaded down the cliff, creating a mist that filled the air.

Synonyms

falls
vswaterfall
203 1.1

A place where water drops steeply over rocks or a cliff

is the general term for any vertical drop in a stream or river
cascade
vswaterfall
4 3.7

A small waterfall that falls in steps over rocks

is broader, covering any single or multiple vertical drops in a river

How High

cataract
1 7.5
waterfall
119 1.0
cascade
4 3.7

Surface Forms

waterfall singular
waterfalls plural

Morphology

waterfall = water + fall (transparent) = water + fall

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'water' + 'fall' and is easily understood by learners.

Etymology

The word waterfall is simply water + fall, so it literally means water that 'falls' over a cliff or drop. That's why a waterfall is a place where a river or stream drops straight down.