What does hilly mean?
Hilly is an adjective describing land that has many hills or frequent changes in elevation. It is especially common when discussing countryside, roads, trails, and geographical regions, as in “hilly terrain” or “a hilly landscape.” The word conveys shape and elevation rather than a precise height, so it is appropriate for both gently undulating countryside and more dramatically steep terrain. It can also carry a practical implication: travelling across hilly ground may require more effort, especially by bicycle, on foot, or in a vehicle. In contrast, “flat” and “level” emphasize the absence of significant rises and slopes. Hilly is used in everyday British and American English and is a straightforward, useful geographical term for describing terrain with an uneven or rolling profile.
adjectiveHaving many hills or an uneven surface characterized by rises and depressions. The term is often used to describe terrain, landscapes, or routes.
- Characterized by numerous hills or by changes in elevation.
"The hilly countryside made the journey slower than expected."
"The hilly landscape is best explored on foot."
"They drove carefully along the hilly road at night."
From a quiet field to a breathless climb, “hilly” captures the moment the horizon starts to rise and fall.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hilly come from?
The word “hilly” was formed in English by adding the suffix “-y” to “hill,” a term inherited from Old English. “Hill” developed from the Germanic language of early English and is related to cognates in other Germanic languages, including Dutch “heuvel” and German “Hügel.” The derived adjective “hilly” has long been used to describe landscapes and ground featuring hills.
Related word forms
How hilly is actually used
The word is descriptive and generally neutral, though it can suggest that the terrain is difficult to traverse. It is commonly used for rural landscapes, roads, and terrain.