1
always used before a noun
a
: located below another or others of the same kind
her lower jaw/lip
his lower extremities/limbs [=his legs and feet]
the ship's upper and lower decks
b
: located toward the bottom part of something
The message appeared on the lower portion of the screen.
She felt a pain in her lower leg/back. [=the lower part of her leg/back]
the mountain's upper and lower slopes
c
: not high above the ground
The forecast is for strong winds at lower elevations.
2
: located toward the south
in the lower and higher latitudes
the lower and upper peninsulas
3
: below another or others in position, rank, or order
higher and lower courts
4
: less advanced or developed
higher and lower animals
ˈlowɚ
lowers; lowered; lowering
1
: to make (something or someone) lower: such as
a
: to cause (someone or something) to move to a lower position
He slowly lowered himself into the chair.
lower a flag
lower the window
The sailors lowered a life raft (down) to the people in the water.
She lowered her eyes. [=she looked down]
b
: to reduce the loudness of (something)
Please lower your voice. [=please speak more quietly]
c
: to reduce the value or amount of (something)
Fuel prices have been lowered in recent weeks.
A combination of diet and exercise can help to lower your cholesterol.
2
: to become lower : decrease
Prices have lowered. [=(more commonly) fallen, gone down]
The property has lowered [=fallen] in value.
lowers; lowered; lowering
literary, of the sky or clouds
: to become dark and threatening
Clouds lowered overhead.
Cite this Entry
“Lower.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/lower. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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