understory

noun

un·​der·​sto·​ry ˈən-dər-ˌstȯr-ē How to pronounce understory (audio)
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 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of understory was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near understory

Cite this Entry

“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

understory

noun
un·​der·​sto·​ry ˈən-dər-ˌstōr-ē How to pronounce understory (audio)
-ˌstȯr-
: the layer of plants and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover

More from Merriam-Webster on understory

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