Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major waterfall on the Niagara River: A collective name for the large waterfalls located on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. The Canadian portion is called the Horseshoe Falls, and the American portion is the American Falls.
   • A city in New York, USA: A city located in western New York State, adjacent to the famous waterfalls, known as a significant tourist attraction and a popular destination for honeymoons.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Waterfall):

  • The powerful roar of Niagara Falls can be heard from a distance.
  • We took a boat tour to see Niagara Falls up close.

• Proper noun (City):

  • They stayed in a hotel in Niagara Falls, New York, for their anniversary.
  • The economy of Niagara Falls is heavily dependent on tourism.

Advanced Usage

• "to see/visit Niagara Falls": To travel to and view the famous waterfalls.

  • It has always been her dream to visit Niagara Falls.

• "the Niagara Falls region": Referring to the geographic area surrounding the waterfalls, encompassing parts of both Canada and the United States.

  • The Niagara Falls region offers many parks and historical sites.

Variants and Related Words

• Niagara: Often used informally as a shortened form to refer to the waterfalls or the river.
  • The power of the Niagara is awe-inspiring.
• Falls: A common noun; when capitalized as part of the name "Niagara Falls," it refers specifically to this landmark.
• Cataract: A synonym for a large, powerful waterfall.
  • Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous cataracts.

Synonyms

• Waterfall: A general term for a cascade of water.
• Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall.
• Cascade: A small waterfall or a series of small waterfalls.

Related Phrases

• Honeymoon capital: A nickname for the city of Niagara Falls due to its popularity as a honeymoon destination.
  • Niagara Falls has been called the honeymoon capital of the world.
• Maid of the Mist: The name of the famous boat tours that operate at the base of the falls.
  • We bought tickets for the Maid of the Mist tour.

Related Idioms

• "Like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel": An idiom describing an extremely risky, foolhardy, or uncontrollable situation.
  • Trying to fix the economy without a plan is like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Noun

1. a city in western New York State at the falls of the Niagara river; tourist attraction and honeymoon resort
2. waterfall in Canada is the Horseshoe Falls; in the United States it is the American Falls