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

If finding a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down inside your car and protect your head, or abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026

If unable to reach a secure shelter, either crouch down in your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026

Those who live in low-lying areas, or who have experienced stormwater flooding in the past, should remove any items of value from their basements out of an abundance of caution, GWLA said. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

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