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

Insurers can use their unique insights into risk to shape effective policies, including stronger building codes, floodplain management, and cutting carbon pollution, all of which prevent or reduce losses from extreme weather events. —Mindy Lubber, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

The 1,600-acre former floodplain is great for hiking and birdwatching: Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes and neotropical migratory songbirds, nonprofit conservation group River Partners notes. —Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024

Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Today, roughly 95 percent of structures in Rockaway Beach sit in what is known as the 100-year floodplain. —Laura Thompson, Curbed, 22 Nov. 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