floodplain

noun

flood·​plain ˈfləd-ˌplān 

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

floodplain

noun

flood·​plain -ˌplān 

1

: low flat land along a stream or river that may flood

2

: a plain built up from earth left by floodwaters