low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce low-lying (audio)
Synonyms of low-lyingnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To combat flooding in Newport Beach and Sunset Beach, city officials built large sand berms along the beaches to block high surf and prevent water from spilling onto low-lying streets. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 If you are headed to the coast, watch out for flooded roads, especially in low-lying areas. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026 In the northern part of the state, minor flooding was expected through Saturday in low-lying areas along shorelines and tidal waterways during peak high tides, the weather service said. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 The agency warns rising tides could make 210 homes inaccessible across low-lying areas of Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Old Howard Beach, and Lindenwood. — Elle McLogan, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for low-lying

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of low-lying was in 1712

Rhymes for low-lying

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Browse Nearby Words

lowly
low-lying
low-maintenance
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Cite this Entry

“Low-lying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/low-lying. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

low-lying

adjective
low-ly·​ing
ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ
: having little upward extension or elevation
low-lying clouds
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