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
Between its streams, lakes, wetlands and floodplains, roughly a fifth of Lake County is covered by surface water, a proportion that likely increased slightly over the last month after multiple heavy rain events.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The proposal includes building on a floodplain near an old, unlined dump that could leach toxic chemicals.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Named for the interesting seed pods that resemble hops, it is related to American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), as both are members of the birch family, but where Hophornbeam prefers upland soils, Hornbeam prefers floodplains.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
Preventative measures In order to better mitigate future flooding, the Leawood City Council voted to approve an Indian Creek Watershed Master Plan last December, which would help the city identify potential solutions for areas along 103rd Street to College Avenue that are in the floodplain.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
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Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The proposal includes building on a floodplain near an old, unlined dump that could leach toxic chemicals.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Named for the interesting seed pods that resemble hops, it is related to American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), as both are members of the birch family, but where Hophornbeam prefers upland soils, Hornbeam prefers floodplains.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
Preventative measures In order to better mitigate future flooding, the Leawood City Council voted to approve an Indian Creek Watershed Master Plan last December, which would help the city identify potential solutions for areas along 103rd Street to College Avenue that are in the floodplain.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for floodplain
Cite this Entry
“Floodplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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