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 traditional Japanese tea room is situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Malibu. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025 The ape on the cliff by the ocean in the universe had just quit the most popular alternative band in the world. Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024 The holiday season almost ended in tragedy for one family after a toddler nearly fell off a 400-foot cliff in Hawaii near the island's erupting Kilauea volcano. Danielle Jennings, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024 National Park officials urged caution after a toddler nearly fell off a 400-foot cliff while the family visited erupting volcano Kīlauea. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near cliff

Cite this Entry

“Cliff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff. Accessed 7 Jan. 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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