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

To build on the beach is to navigate a complex set of guidelines, among them height restrictions, strict size limits, and floodplain codes. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026

The proposal includes building on a floodplain near an old, unlined dump that could leach toxic chemicals. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026

The only possibilities were on rocky, gravel-bar floodplains. — Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026

Salmon numbers have declined due to dams, which have blocked off their spawning areas; the loss of floodplain habitat; and global warming, which is intensifying drought and heating rivers. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 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