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

• little
• low
• low-slung
• sawed-off
• short

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

This system is projected to bring the potential for heavy rainfall, so residents are advised to stay alert for possible flooding in low-lying areas. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Nevertheless, the Global South suffers the most, especially the low-lying island nations. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 2 inches of rain had already fallen on the area, causing small creeks, low-lying areas and some underpasses in the Dallas area to flood. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024

While unrestrained display of ancient splendor defines the Seychelles’ easterly, inner islands, southern and western islands boast more familiar, low-lying sandy fare, cloaked in coconut forests. —Paul Rubio, AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

low-lying

adjective

low-ly·​ing

ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ

: having little upward extension or elevation

low-lying clouds