floodplain

noun

flood·​plain ˈfləd-ˌplān How to pronounce floodplain (audio)
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 At Puku Ridge in Zambia, an artful assemblage of timber respects the natural flows of the area’s floodplain. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 The refuge protects more than 240,000 acres of Mississippi River floodplain. Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 Dos Rios Ranch was 2,000 acres of marginal farmland that has been transformed into a spectacular floodplain that nourishes salmon, feeds native birds and plants and replenishes our groundwater. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 Factors driving the risks include changing precipitation patterns, aging infrastructure and development that has expanded in low-lying areas, including in natural floodplains along rivers and creeks. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024 More:The Mississippi River's floodplain forests are dying. Journal Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2024 Excavation of the grave took place beside a river on a floodplain, and it’s thought that a layer of silt must have quickly covered the site, creating conditions for the bronze objects to remain remarkably well-preserved. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2023 The plan calls for $25 billion to $30 billion in investments over the next 30 years, outlining recommendations that include strengthening levees and restoring natural floodplains. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024 After a decade of restoration work, the floodplain now functions as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Jake Bittle, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'floodplain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of floodplain was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near floodplain

Cite this Entry

“Floodplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodplain. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

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