upland

noun

up·​land ˈəp-lənd 

-ˌland

1

: high land especially at some distance from the sea : plateau

2

: ground elevated above the lowlands along rivers or between hills

upland adjective

uplander

ˈəp-lən-dər 

-ˌlan-

noun

Synonyms

• altitude(s)
• elevation
• eminence
• height
• highland
• hill
• hump
• mound
• prominence
• rise

Examples of upland in a Sentence

the animals huddled on the upland as the floodwater rose

Recent Examples on the Web

Instructors will focus on coastal, estuarine, and uplands habitats; coastal plants; and marine invertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025

The lake came into existence ten thousand years ago when a long upland of ice withdrew. —Joseph O’Neill, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025

The expansive preserve is known for its forested uplands, canyon rims, boulders, sandstone cliffs, breathtaking bluffs, and mesmerizing waterfalls. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

The site also boasts grasslands, dry forests and upland areas — just about every habitat southern Indiana has to offer. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing upland

• upland cotton
• upland sandpiper

Kids Definition

upland

noun

up·​land ˈəp-lənd 

-ˌland

: high land especially at some distance from the sea

upland adjective

Geographical Definition

Upland

geographical name

Up·​land ˈəp-lənd 

city in southern California west of San Bernardino population 73,732