flood control

American  

noun

Civil Engineering.

1. the act or technique of controlling river flow with dams, dikes, artificial channels, etc., so as to minimize the occurrence of floods.

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flood control British  

noun

1. the technique or practice of preventing or controlling floods with dams, artificial channels, etc

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Etymology

Origin of flood control

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flood control

Graft has long been a problem in the Philippines but the flood control case has stood out due to the sums involved.

From Barron's ● Jun. 1, 2026

“Vegetation management in flood control channels is conducted to maintain flood protection capacity and protect public safety,” Dave Ahern, a spokesperson for the agency, said in an email.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 1, 2026

If rain totals are on the higher end of forecasts, swift-water rescues could prove necessary should people become trapped in flood control channels or streams, Kittell said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2025

The loss of tidal waters may have forced Sumerian communities to respond with large-scale irrigation and flood control systems -- innovations that defined Sumer's golden age.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 27, 2025

The street looked like a river, and she could see cars and boats stacked up against a flood control gate.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz