Cliff: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe a steep face of rock and earth, typically by the sea.

• We stood on the edge of the cliff and watched the waves crash below
• The cliff is a popular spot for rock climbing

Describes a very steep or overhanging place, often used to denote extreme danger or risk.

• He stood on the precipice, his heart racing as he looked down at the sheer drop
• The company was on the precipice of financial ruin

Usually refers to a steep bank or cliff, often alongside a river or a body of water. It can also imply a natural elevation of land.

• The house was built on a high bluff overlooking the river
• The fisherman stood at the edge of the bluff, casting his line into the water

Geological term often used in academic or formal contexts to describe a long, steep slope separating two areas of land at different heights.

• The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, offering breathtaking views of the valley below
• The escarpment formed over millions of years due to tectonic activity