Word
floodplain
Phoneticsflood·plain, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɫədˌpɫeɪn/
UK/flˈʌdpleɪn/
Countable noun Geography
Definition
n. an area of land next to a river that is often flooded when the water level rises. This land is usually flat and very good for farming.
n. an area of land adjacent to a river or stream that is susceptible to flooding during periods of high discharge. Often characterized by fertile soil due to the deposition of silt during inundation.
Examples
“The farmer lives on a floodplain near the river.”
“Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, settled on floodplains because the soil was so rich for growing crops.”
“While the floodplain provides highly productive agricultural land, modern urban development in these zones often requires significant investment in levees and drainage systems to mitigate seasonal flood risks.”
Examples
simple
“The farmer lives on a floodplain near the river.”
contextual
“Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, settled on floodplains because the soil was so rich for growing crops.”
complex
“While the floodplain provides highly productive agricultural land, modern urban development in these zones often requires significant investment in levees and drainage systems to mitigate seasonal flood risks.”
Real-World Examples
“The semi-aquatic rodents were released in February as part of the National Trust's work to restore rivers, wetlands and floodplains on the 5,000-hectare site.” “He grew up in a farming family near Kaziranga, on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, where the river routinely shifts its banks and forces families to resettle.” “Lakes, streams, wetlands, reservoirs and floodplains can all alter the movement of carbon through a landscape, affecting how much is transported onward, stored or released into the atmosphere.” Etymology
From flood + plain.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/floodplain