flood plain

or floodplain

noun

1. a nearly flat plain along the course of a stream or river that is naturally subject to flooding.

flood plain

noun

1. the flat area bordering a river, composed of sediment deposited during flooding

Word History and Origins

Origin of flood plain¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The team found that between around 11,500 and four thousand years ago, the Nile experienced significant valley incision, meaning the river cut down into its bed, creating deep channels and a narrower flood plain.

From Science Daily

Seasonal downpours cause frequent landslides and floods in Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or fertile flood plains.

From Seattle Times

Seasonal downpours cause frequent landslides and floods in Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or in fertile flood plains.

From Seattle Times

The idea is to restore natural flood plains in key areas around sites that need protection.

From Seattle Times

Now, the creek flows freely, teeming with fish swimming upstream and animals traveling through the flood plain of the lake.

From Seattle Times