What is rockfall? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of rockfall in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of rockfall

rockfallnoun
đá rơi
/ˈrɒkfɔːl//ˈrɑːkfɔːl/

Where does the word rockfall come from?

The term "rockfall" has its roots in the late 18th century. The word "rock" has been used to describe a massive block of stone or a mass of rocky material since Old English times. The suffix "-fall" is a relatively recent addition, and it's believed to have been influenced by Middle English words such as "fall" and "fulle," which meant "to fall" or "a falling." Together, "rockfall" likely originated as a phrase used to describe a sudden and catastrophic event where rocks or boulders fall or tumble down a slope or cliff. The term gained popularity in the 19th century with the development of geology and the study of natural phenomena like landslides and rockslides. Today, "rockfall" is widely used by geologists, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts to describe these types of events.

Example of vocabulary rockfallnamespace

As the sun began to set, a deafening sound echoed through the mountainside - it was the sound of a massive rockfall.
The guides warned the hikers to be cautious of potential rockfalls as they made their way up the treacherous mountain trail.
The sight of boulders tumbling down the mountainside left the tourists in awe, but also a little afraid as they weren't sure whether they'd be next.
The park ranger recommended that they stay indoors and away from the base of the cliff, as the rockfall could potentially cause serious damage.
The force of the rockfall knocked several trees to the ground and left a trail of destruction in its wake.