rockfall

[rok-fawl]

noun

1. an act or instance of the falling of rock, as in a cave-in or an avalanche.

2. a mass of rocks rock that have fallen: fall.

   to be trapped under a rockfall.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rockfall¹

First recorded in 1920–25; rock ¹ + fall

Example Sentences

With the team's primary medic also injured by rockfall, Kirsty, a back-up first aider with just a one week-long course under her belt, was called into action.

From BBC

The 31-year-old German was caught in rockfall during an expedition in the Karakoram mountains on Monday.

From BBC

The incident occurred in the Karakorum mountains on Monday when the 31-year-old was caught in a rockfall.

From BBC

Francois Masse, the Parks Canada Superintendent of the Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay Field Unit, said the rockfall was an "extremely rare event" that was "neither predictable nor preventable".

From BBC

Two people are dead after a rockfall struck several hikers in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

From BBC