floodplain

noun

flood·​plain ˈfləd-ˌplān 

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

There are also plans to build a wrought iron fence with masonry along Highway 10, and a wrought iron fence in the floodplain area. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

Recreational vehicles can be in the floodplain, so long as they can be driven or towed away in case of a storm. — Ren Larson, ProPublica, 2 Sep. 2026

American elms once defined New England streetscapes and floodplains; researchers say restoring disease-tolerant trees could bolster climate resilience by soaking up floodwaters and stabilizing vulnerable river systems. — Amanda Swinhart, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

The machines are planned to meet with high precision beneath the river crossing before being dismantled at a depth of about 30 meters (98 feet), below the floodplain on the Yangtze’s north bank. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for floodplain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

floodplain

noun

flood·​plain -ˌplān 

1

: low flat land along a stream or river that may flood

2

: a plain built up from earth left by floodwaters