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

When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Nov. 2025

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025

In Orange County, the NWS said some flooding was expected in low-lying parts of cities including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo. —Sean Emery, Oc Register, 15 Nov. 2025

The weather service said there were concerns because of water on roadways as well as minor flooding in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage. —Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-lying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• stupefying
• supplying

Kids Definition

low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing

ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ

: having little upward extension or elevation

low-lying clouds