understory
noun
un·der·sto·ry
ˈən-dər-ˌstȯr-ē 
1
: an underlying layer of vegetation
specifically
: the vegetative layer and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover
2
: the plants that form the understory
Examples of understory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are remote sections of the park, and the forest is dense, with a thick understory of rhododendron obscuring terrain beyond the trail.
—
Graham Averill, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2024
Pawpaw trees prefer moist soil, and grow in dense forested understory.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2024
The entire route is shaded by ponderosa pines and creekside stands of boxelders, locust and oaks with an understory of brambles and wildflowers.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024
They’re supported by a colorful understory of oaks, grapevines and sumacs.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understory 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Graham Averill, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2024
Pawpaw trees prefer moist soil, and grow in dense forested understory.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2024
The entire route is shaded by ponderosa pines and creekside stands of boxelders, locust and oaks with an understory of brambles and wildflowers.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024
They’re supported by a colorful understory of oaks, grapevines and sumacs.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understory
Dictionary Entries Near understory
Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understory
noun
un·der·sto·ry
ˈən-dər-ˌstōr-ē
-ˌstȯr-
: the layer of plants and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share