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 of low-lying

• 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

Authorities have evacuated 150 families with over 500 people from low-lying areas. — Aniruddha Ghosal, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Authorities have warned of flooding in low-lying areas and along waterways. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

The heavy rain could flood small creeks, streets, highways, underpasses and other low-lying or poorly drained areas. — Troy Bridges, CBS News, 11 Sep. 2026

South Florida's low-lying communities can fall victim to flooding for a number of reasons, including due to king tides. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-lying

• buying
• crying
• drying
• dyeing
• dying
• flying
• frying
• lying
• plying
• prying
• shying
• sighing

Kids Definition

low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing

ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ

: having little upward extension or elevation

low-lying clouds