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.
The thick bark on the trees provide insulation and protection from wildfires burning on the forest floor. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025 The wine exhibits aromas of mulberry, forest floor, clove, and cedar, with subtle hints of cigar box. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 But as the damage fades and the years march on, toppled trees and downed branches create gaps in the canopy that let light penetrate to the forest floor. Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 The social media post shared by Missouri Wildlife appears to just be leaf litter on the forest floor. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!