floodplain

noun

flood·​plain ˈfləd-ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
Synonyms of floodplainnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recreational vehicles can be in the floodplain, so long as they can be driven or towed away in case of a storm. — Ren Larson, ProPublica, 2 Sep. 2026 American elms once defined New England streetscapes and floodplains; researchers say restoring disease-tolerant trees could bolster climate resilience by soaking up floodwaters and stabilizing vulnerable river systems. — Amanda Swinhart, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The machines are planned to meet with high precision beneath the river crossing before being dismantled at a depth of about 30 meters (98 feet), below the floodplain on the Yangtze’s north bank. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 How do wetlands protect from flooding Indiana has two natural ways to store water, said hydrologist Robert Barr with Indiana University – floodplains and wetlands. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for floodplain

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of floodplain was in 1873

Rhymes for floodplain

See All Rhymes for floodplain

Browse Nearby Words

floodometer
floodplain
flood stage
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Cite this Entry

“Floodplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

floodplain

noun
flood·​plain -ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
1
: low flat land along a stream or river that may flood
2
: a plain built up from earth left by floodwaters

More from Merriam-Webster on floodplain

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for floodplain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about floodplain

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