low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce low-lying (audio)
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

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
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.
The ground cover was thick with ferns, moss, felled trees, and other low-lying plants. Greg Sullivan, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025 Expect up to one foot of water above ground level in low-lying, vulnerable areas. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025 If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for low-lying

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of low-lying was in 1712

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Low-lying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/low-lying. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

low-lying

adjective
low-ly·​ing
ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ
: having little upward extension or elevation
low-lying clouds
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!