floodplain

noun

flood·​plain ˈfləd-ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
1
: level land that may be submerged by floodwaters
2
: a plain built up by stream deposition

Examples of floodplain in a Sentence

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.
As frustration continues to mount over sprawling homeless camps in nearly every corner of the Bay Area, the state is stepping in with millions of dollars to move people from city sidewalks, parks and floodplains across the region and into shelter and housing. Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024 Communities of the Barotse derive diverse livelihoods from the floodplain, including livestock rearing, crop production, and fishing. Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 This has partly been attributed to rapid urban development, which has created sprawl that encases floodplains in impermeable concrete. Christy Choi, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024 Another official said the standard will increase the number of feet structures can be elevated and broaden floodplains. Zack Budryk, The Hill, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for floodplain 

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of floodplain was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near floodplain

Cite this Entry

“Floodplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

floodplain

noun
flood·​plain -ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
1
: low flat land along a stream or river that may flood
2
: a plain built up from earth left by floodwaters

More from Merriam-Webster on floodplain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!