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.
The result has been that many properties affected by disasters are turning up outside FEMA's floodplains. — Laura Sullivan, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026 While the original plan was to simply renovate the existing structures, the design team pivoted during the due diligence process, McGoldrick said, citing the costs of waterproofing and rehabbing a building in the Boise River floodplain. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 12 Aug. 2026 Historically, when the Yangtze flooded, water spread into surrounding floodplains, lakes and wetlands. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 And South Sudan's first World Heritage site, the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape, protects a vast sweep of savanna, wetlands, and floodplains crossed by one of the world's largest terrestrial mammal migrations. — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 9 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

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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 17 Aug. 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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