Definition

1. Noun:
   • A steep descent of the water of a river: A waterfall is a place where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops in the course of a stream or river.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The waterfall cascaded down the rocky cliff into a clear pool below.
  • We hiked for hours to reach the famous waterfall in the national park.
  • The sound of the waterfall was loud and soothing.

Advanced Usage

• "Waterfall of something" (metaphorical): Used to describe something that flows or falls in a copious, continuous stream, resembling a waterfall.
  • A waterfall of golden hair fell down her back.
  • The report triggered a waterfall of criticism from the public.

Variants and Related Words

• Waterfall model (n): A sequential design process used in software development and other project management, where progress flows steadily downwards through phases like a waterfall.
  • The team used the waterfall model for the new software project.
• Waterfalling (n, informal): The act of visiting or exploring multiple waterfalls.
  • Our vacation was all about waterfalling in the Pacific Northwest.

Synonyms

• Cascade: A small waterfall, typically one of several that fall in stages down a steep rocky slope.
• Falls: Often used in names (e.g., Niagara Falls).
• Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall.

Related Phrases

• To go over like a waterfall: To happen or proceed very swiftly and decisively. (This is a less common, illustrative phrase rather than a standard idiom).
  • Once the decision was made, the changes went over like a waterfall.

Related Idioms

• At the bottom of the waterfall: In a position to receive the full, often overwhelming, impact of events or consequences. (This is an illustrative conceptual phrase).
  • Small suppliers were at the bottom of the waterfall when the large company failed.

Noun

1. a steep descent of the water of a river