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
They’re supported by a colorful understory of oaks, grapevines and sumacs.
—
Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Skilled operators tend to target invasive shrubs, vines that choke desirable trees, and excessive saplings, while preserving mature canopy and valuable understory.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
The right is soft and layered in a zero-point-perspective trifle—one third sky, one third trees, one third half-and-half: dark forest understory foregrounded by golden sunlit grass.
—Kate Colby
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
The extinct species likely lived in the dense understory of ancient tropical rainforests, according to the release.
—Lauren Liebhaber
september 18, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understory
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Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Skilled operators tend to target invasive shrubs, vines that choke desirable trees, and excessive saplings, while preserving mature canopy and valuable understory.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
The right is soft and layered in a zero-point-perspective trifle—one third sky, one third trees, one third half-and-half: dark forest understory foregrounded by golden sunlit grass.
—Kate Colby
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
The extinct species likely lived in the dense understory of ancient tropical rainforests, according to the release.
—Lauren Liebhaber
september 18, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understory
Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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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