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

• 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

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for San Antonio and several neighboring cities, warning of two to four inches of additional rainfall and excessive runoff that may result in flash flooding for rivers and creeks, low-lying areas and low water crossings. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

If finding a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down inside your car and protect your head, or abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025

When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot updated July 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2025

Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches is forecast, with locally higher amounts capable of causing flash flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 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