fall line

noun

1. an imaginary line, marked by waterfalls and rapids, where rivers descend abruptly from an upland to a lowland.
2. Fall Line, (in the eastern United States) the imaginary line between the Piedmont and the Atlantic coastal plain.
3. Skiing. the path of natural descent from one point on a slope to another.

fall line

¹

noun

1. skiing the natural downward course between two points on a slope
2. the edge of a plateau

Fall Line

²

noun

1. a natural junction, running parallel to the E coast of the US, between the hard rocks of the Appalachians and the softer coastal plain, along which rivers form falls and rapids

fall line

/ fôl /

1. A line connecting the waterfalls of nearly parallel rivers that marks a drop in land level.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fall line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Mercer is a native of Alexandria, Va., and serves as president of the Fall Line Consulting firm, which advises companies in the clean energy sector.

From Washington Post

The black trails follow the mountain’s fall line for steep, technical descents and mandatory air, including rock slabs.

From Seattle Times

On March 12, the couple were wed at Fall Line Station, an events venue in Macon, before 190 guests, all of whom were required to show negative Covid tests before attending.

From New York Times

The sprawling resort does not have a single fall line from the top, but rather folds into multiple zones served by chairlifts nestled in basins, so navigation can prove confusing.

From Seattle Times

The Ocmulgee River runs along the fall line, which separates Georgia’s uplands from its vast coastal plain.

From Washington Post