forest floor

noun

: the richly organic layer of soil and debris characteristic of forested land

Examples of forest floor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike the forest floor, where leaves decompose and put nutrients back into the soil, leaves piling up and breaking down can harm your turf. Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025 Maple and oak leaves blaze in brilliant yellows, fiery reds, and deep oranges, set against the lush green of the forest floor. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025 Little rain can reach the forest floor because of the canopy. Greg Sullivan, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025 The forest floor has seen some burning, and much clearing of vegetation and debris by firefighters, who have been aware for a week that the Garnet Fire could threaten the grove, Zwierzchowski said. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forest floor

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forest floor was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
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