low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ 

1

: rising relatively little above the base of measurement

low-lying hills

2

: lying below the normal level, surface, or the base of measurement or mean elevation

low-lying clouds

Synonyms of low-lying

• short
• little
• small
• low
• tiny

Examples of low-lying in a Sentence

the low-lying hills blocked our view of the sea only a little bit

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Cyclone Ditwah was creeping along Sri Lanka’s east and north coasts, dumping massive bands of rain onto low-lying, beachy coastline and central hill country – an area that was similarly not experienced in dealing with tropical storms. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Dec. 2025

During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-lying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• stupefying
• supplying

Kids Definition

low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing

ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ

: having little upward extension or elevation

low-lying clouds