What does lowland mean?
A lowland is an area of land that lies at a lower elevation than the surrounding country, often creating a broad, flat plain or basin. The word can refer to an individual geographical area, but its plural form, lowlands, is especially common for extensive low-lying regions. In Britain, the capitalized Lowlands usually refers to the southeastern part of Scotland, north of the Highland Boundary Fault; the term also has cultural associations with Scottish music, literature, and identity. As an adjective, lowland describes terrain that is low and relatively flat, and it can also distinguish areas of lower elevation from uplands or highlands. In ordinary writing, lowland and lowlands are often used in geographical descriptions of valleys, coastal plains, river basins, and other low-lying terrain.
An area of land that is lower in elevation than the surrounding country, often forming a plain or basin.
"The city is built on a fertile lowland between two ridges."
The plural lowlands is common for a broad geographical region, especially in the capitalized Scottish Lowlands.
Situated in or characteristic of land that is low in elevation.
"Wildflowers cover the lowland meadows in early summer."
Often contrasted with highland or upland in geographical descriptions.
The plural is common for extensive regions of low-lying land and is used especially in the proper name the Scottish Lowlands.
"The Scottish Lowlands are known for their fertile farmland and distinctive cultural traditions."
The word lowland is also the name of a major Scottish cultural region, home to distinctive traditions, literature, and landscapes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowland come from?
Lowland is formed in English by combining low with land, both of which are Germanic elements. The adjective low descends from Old English lāg, meaning “low,” while land comes from Old English land, meaning “earth, ground, or territory.” The compound was established in the medieval period and became especially prominent in geographical descriptions, including references to the Scottish Lowlands.
Related word forms
How lowland is actually used
The singular is common for an individual area of low terrain. The plural lowlands is very common in geographical and cultural references, as in the Scottish Lowlands. As an adjective, lowland often contrasts with upland or highland.
Easily confused with lowland
A lowland is an area of relatively low elevation, whereas a highland is an upland region or elevated land.
Lowland can refer to an individual low-lying area, while the Lowlands often names a broader geographical region, especially in Scotland.