Victoria Falls

American  

plural noun

1. falls of the Zambezi River in southern Africa, between Zambia and Zimbabwe, near Livingstone. 420 feet (130 meters) high; more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide.

2. former name of Iguassú Falls.

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Victoria Falls British  

plural noun

1. Local name: Mosi-oa-Tunya.  a major waterfall on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, on the Zambezi River. Height: about 108 m (355 ft). Width: about 1400 m (4500 ft)

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Etymology

Origin of Victoria Falls

First recorded in 1855–60; named by David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria

Compare meaning

How does victoria-falls compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Victoria Falls vs. Niagara Falls

Example Sentences

"It was very quick," says Chris Foggin, a veterinarian with Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust who examined the elephant carcasses in Zimbabwe.

From National Geographic • Dec. 5, 2023

The coin is called "Mosi-oa-Tunya" which means "The Smoke Which Thunders" and refers to Victoria Falls, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2022

Starting Monday, Zimbabwe is selling one-ounce, 22-carat gold coins bearing an image of Victoria Falls, its world-famous natural wonder.

From Washington Post • Jul. 25, 2022

Ronald Leon Johnson was arrested Feb. 15 as he checked in at Robert Mugabe Airport in the capital, Harare, for a flight to the tourist town of Victoria Falls, The Herald newspaper reported.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2022

Once he rescued Mr. Damon from Victoria Falls while she stood around and sulked because all she had to do was hold the rope that held Jem.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee