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

While water salinity isn't a major issue in most regulated urban water systems, Gupta said the concern mainly applies in coastal and low-lying regions where saltwater intrusion contaminates groundwater, increasing sodium concentrations in drinking water. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026

This is especially likely in low-lying or flood-prone locations. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026

That means making our infrastructure more resilient, especially storm drains and flood control in low-lying neighborhoods that have already been neglected too long. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Layers of green, given order by low-lying boxwood borders along the path, utilizes every square inch. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 May 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