underbrush

noun

un·​der·​brush ˈən-dər-ˌbrəsh 

1

: shrubs, bushes, or small trees growing beneath large trees in a wood or forest : brush

2

: a tangled, obstructing, or impeding mass

Examples of underbrush in a Sentence

We made our way through the thick underbrush.

Recent Examples on the Web

Early mornings, flocks of road racers in matching jerseys treat the 20-mile-per-hour speed limit as a challenge and slower riders as underbrush. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026

Make sure there are no overhanging limbs that could combust; cut back and remove nearby grasses, brambles, and underbrush; and have a fire extinguisher ready to deal with any embers that float away. — Steven John, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026

Then the bear tossed a quick glance at Corle and fled into the underbrush. — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026

And so when the drought arrives again, that underbrush all dies. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underbrush

• airbrush
• hairbrush
• inrush
• onrush
• paintbrush
• sagebrush
• blush
• brush
• crush
• flush
• gush
• hush

Kids Definition

underbrush

noun

un·​der·​brush ˈən-dər-ˌbrəsh 

: shrubs and small trees growing among large trees : undergrowth