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

There could be minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms, and urban and small stream flooding. —Brandon Downs, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026

If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 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