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

Prescribed fire, including vegetation cutting, removal and burning of piles and low-intensity understory burning, is an important tool to meet the Forest Service's management objectives for ecological restoration, creating habitat for plants and animals and reducing unwanted fuel loading. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2025

The understory is teeming with insects like butterflies, bees and beetles, which play critical roles in pollination and decomposition. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

They’re supported by an understory of grapevines, sumac and Virginia creeper in a tangle of varying hues. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024

Mushrooms and fungi flourish in the shaded understory, breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients back into the soil. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for understory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• clerestory
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• extempore
• feudatory

Kids 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