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 is also the possibility for heavy downpours, with as much as one and a half inches of rain falling, which could cause flooding issues, especially in low-lying areas and on roads. —Laura Bannon, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Conditions in Kauai have improved significantly, but authorities encourage people to exercise caution near streams and low-lying areas as grounds remain saturated. —Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026

Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office warned all in the low-lying island nation to move immediately to higher ground or inland. —ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026

The fort stood high above the river, where fearsome artillery was able to turn back the Union gunboats that had pounded low-lying Fort Henry into submission. —Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 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