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 
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 programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 5 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
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