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.
Looking at tree ring records dating back to the 1600s, Roos partnered with researchers in Kansas and California to study how the Western Apache used small and frequent fires to clear foliage on the forest floor and mitigate large-scale wildfires. Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 9 Nov. 2025 The iconic meadow scene, during which Bella and Edward stare longingly at one another on the forest floor, reached new levels of enchantmemt thanks to a proper display of the scene's idyllic panorama. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 Advocates say the practice, done in concert with other management techniques like cutting certain trees to thin out the forest floor, can help restore and maintain ecosystems comprised of fire-tolerant oak trees. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025 My morning rambles cross mossy forest floors strewn with spring ephemerals. Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 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 13 Nov. 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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