ENGLISH
REFERENCE

floods

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈfɫədz// UK //flˈʌdz// floods

n. large amounts of water that cover an area which is usually dry. This often happens after very heavy rain or when a river gets too full.

n. overflows of water that submerge land which is normally dry. Often used in the plural to describe a series of events or a widespread natural disaster.


SIMPLE

Heavy rain caused severe floods across the valley.

CONTEXTUAL

The city built new walls along the riverbank to protect homes from seasonal floods.

COMPLEX

Climate change has increased the frequency of flash floods, leaving urban infrastructure struggling to manage the sudden volume of runoff during summer storms.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to the general phenomenon or multiple instances of rising water.

© 2026 English Reference