low-rise

adjective

ˈlō-ˈrīz 

1

: having few stories and not usually equipped with elevators

a low-rise apartment/office building

2

: of, relating to, or characterized by low-rise buildings

a low-rise housing development

3

: having a shorter than standard rise (see rise entry 2 sense 7)

low-rise jeans

The finishing touch of her ensemble then came in the form of "old school," low-rise brown suede … pants and coordinating brown leather boots.

—Claudia Miller

Jeans can also be OK … in some work environments, but not the "Saturday night jeans" that are low-rise and sexy.

—Paula Rath

Examples of low-rise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The collaborative collection features Frankies’ Bikinis bestselling silhouettes, such as zip-up hoodies and sweaters with coordinated lounge pants and tanks with matching low-rise shorts. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

This low-rise pair is way much more wearable, but not so low-rise that my belly button will be visible. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 20 Oct. 2026

In Malabo, Bioko’s biggest city, a team of men and women equipped with insecticide sprayers squeezed between low-rise cement buildings on a recent morning, as heavy rain drummed on aluminum roofs. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

An oasis of calm, this colonial low-rise near Connaught Place is one of the city's best bets for location, charm, and style. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1