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
Trees that originate from floodplains often have shallow, rapidly growing root systems that aggressively seek water.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Signed in May 1977, the order mandates that federal agencies avoid, to the extent possible, the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2026
In the Sentinel-2 satellites' orbital view, Doñana's wetlands appear as shifting patches of dark blue and violet, signatures of shallow water spread across the park's floodplain.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Tucked in an alcove of the limestone cliffs high above the floodplain of Beaver Creek, the five-story structure built in the twelfth century makes an imposing sight.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Signed in May 1977, the order mandates that federal agencies avoid, to the extent possible, the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2026
In the Sentinel-2 satellites' orbital view, Doñana's wetlands appear as shifting patches of dark blue and violet, signatures of shallow water spread across the park's floodplain.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Tucked in an alcove of the limestone cliffs high above the floodplain of Beaver Creek, the five-story structure built in the twelfth century makes an imposing sight.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for floodplain
Cite this Entry
“Floodplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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