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 potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 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, 8 Nov. 2025

Forecasters said Vietnam's low-lying commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City could be hit by flooding. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

In addition to being constructed in a zone vulnerable to a major earthquake, the hospital sits in a low-lying plain just blocks from the waterfront, on unstable ground. —Katia Riddle, NPR, 5 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