cliff

noun

: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice
cliffy adjective

Examples of cliff in a Sentence

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below. rock climbers scaling steep cliffs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hike comes with a rewarding payoff: The view of waters rushing off a cliff into a turquoise pool, a setting that's the crown jewel of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 Magic wrote alongside a photo of the happy group, posed on the deck, in front of a dramatic backdrop of seaside cliffs. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 July 2025 The cliffs of Hermaness provide ideal nesting sites, with updrafts aiding their take-off and landing. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Tourists lean out windows to snap pictures of the steady stream of melting snow tumbling over a small band of cliffs onto the road ringed by towering high alpine peaks and even bigger waterfalls. Kirk Siegler, NPR, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cliff

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cliff was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cliff

noun
: a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice

More from Merriam-Webster on cliff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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