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

Flood-prone roads and low-lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams, while urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

The waves could sweep across beaches and low-lying coastal areas, threatening roads and other infrastructure. — Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

The storm brought the potential for coastal flooding along beaches, bike paths, roads and some low-lying neighborhoods. — ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026

Minor flooding is most likely in some coastal areas, especially in low-lying spots in Long Beach, Malibu and around Point Mugu, the weather service warned. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 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