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 trees are still developing leaves, humidity remains low and winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 The nose features warm berry cobbler and honeyed granola aromas, complemented by hints of black cherry and brush/forest floor aromas. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 There, on the forest floor, was a binturong — a creature reported to smell like buttered popcorn, according to wildlife experts. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 Invasive honeysuckle is also objectively destroying the understory layer of our oak and hickory forests, shading the forest floor and releasing a growth-inhibiting chemical in their leaves and berries. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 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 3 May. 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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