Cascade
noun / verb /kæˈskeɪd/ — A waterfall; to fall or flow in abundance
Definition
A waterfall, especially part of a larger one — or the act of falling or flowing in large quantities in stages. Also used figuratively: a cascade of events, decisions, consequences.
Beyond the definition
The beautiful version of the fall. A cascade is water choosing its own pace — not the violence of a torrent, but the graceful inevitability of descent.
Origin & history
From French 'cascade', from Italian 'cascata' — from 'cascare' (to fall), from Latin 'casicare'. The word sounds like what it describes.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The waterfall broke into a dozen cascades over the dark rock face.
A cascade of decisions — each one seeming reasonable — had led them somewhere none of them had intended.
Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in a way that cameras loved.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Cascade” when the meaning fits your context: A waterfall, especially part of a larger one — or the act of falling or flowing in large quantities in stages. Also used figuratively: a cascade of events, decisions, consequences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
trickle, stillness
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Cascade" mean?
Cascade is noun / verb meaning: A waterfall; to fall or flow in abundance. A waterfall, especially part of a larger one — or the act of falling or flowing in large quantities in stages. Also used figuratively: a cascade of events, decisions, consequences.
Where does the word "Cascade" come from?
From French 'cascade', from Italian 'cascata' — from 'cascare' (to fall), from Latin 'casicare'. The word sounds like what it describes.