floodplain

noun

flood·​plain ˈfləd-ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
Synonyms of floodplainnext
1
: level land that may be submerged by floodwaters
2
: a plain built up by stream deposition

Examples of floodplain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many are in Skagit County, where the entire 100-year floodplain has been ordered to evacuate. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025 Level 3 evacuation orders—meaning leave immediately and seek higher ground—are in place for some areas, including anyone living within the 100-year floodplain of Skagit County and parts of Orting in Pierce County. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 While that projection is lower than previous estimates, Mount Vernon officials were nonetheless urging residents in the floodplain to evacuate. CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025 Mountainous slopes, unstable lava floodplains, and a corrosive atmosphere combine to make this region an exceptionally hazardous destination. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for floodplain

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of floodplain was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Floodplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

floodplain

noun
flood·​plain -ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
1
: low flat land along a stream or river that may flood
2
: a plain built up from earth left by floodwaters

More from Merriam-Webster on floodplain

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