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 of upland

• hill
• mound
• highland
• mountain

Examples of upland in a Sentence

the animals huddled on the upland as the floodwater rose

Recent Examples on the Web

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona encompasses 278 miles of the Colorado River and neighboring uplands, according to the National Park Service. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

New law affect the use of cellular trail cameras, drones, and thermals for hunting big game and upland birds for part of the year. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 29 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

Coral barrier reefs protect beaches and uplands. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

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