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

All 40 rooms in the low-lying, two-story building look onto the park’s iconic towers, with large windows to catch Patagonia’s expansive steppes and skies. —Sarah Marshall, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

These low-lying clouds typically form in the valley during the colder months when winds are light and the soil is moist. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026

In coastal and low-lying communities, untreated wastewater is more likely to escape into surrounding waterways. —Iuliia Istratiy, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 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