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

• little
• low
• low-slung
• sawed-off
• short

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

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025

The service warned that excessive rainfall continues to be possible throughout these states, and that excessive runoff could result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 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