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

Crowding out the understory Researchers think Japanese stiltgrass hitchhiked to the United States in the early 1900s. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025

In certain places the canopy of tree crowns was so dense that only splotches of sunlight could penetrate it, and the understory of vegetation was negligible. —Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025

Here's where to find it A pawpaw is a native tree fruit found in the forest understory in Kentucky, often along streams and rivers. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025

Many of these flowering trees are naturally found in the understory of mature woodlands and tolerate shade. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 June 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