rockfall

noun

rock·​fall ˈräk-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rockfall (audio)
: a mass of falling or fallen rocks

Examples of rockfall in a Sentence

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.
Lambiel said the rockfalls were due to climate change. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 29 May 2025 At Kilauea’s summit, there are significant hazards with the crater’s instability, ground cracking and rockfalls, especially after earthquakes. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 27 May 2025 Preparing the road for reopening is a significant undertaking that includes plowing through multiple avalanche zones, clearing downed trees and rockfalls, and preparing campgrounds and critical facilities for visitors, according to the park service. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 This section of oceanside railway in San Clemente, and other areas of coastal Orange County, have repeatedly been closed in recent years as coastal erosion, landslides and rockfalls have continued to affect the stability and safety of the track. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rockfall

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rockfall was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Rockfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rockfall. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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