the area of a city (such as a harbor or dockyard) alongside a body of water
"The new shopping district transformed the neglected waterfront into a vibrant hub featuring restaurants and parks along the river."
The land alongside a body of water.
"The new shopping center is located on the waterfront, offering direct views of the harbor."
In plain English: A waterfront is an area of land right next to where water meets the shore, often used for docks or buildings facing rivers and oceans.
"The new restaurant is located on the busy waterfront, offering great views of the harbor."
The word waterfront is a straightforward combination of the words water and front. It entered English to describe land or property located directly beside a body of water.