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
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Another theory contends that different features in nature, such as the pattern of leaf shadows moving on the forest floor under the sunlight, provide stimuli that is interesting but not overly demanding for humans. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 This welcome addition to the forest floor in April grows from an underground tuber or corm, which looks like a very small potato. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 Trump legitimately repeats the conviction that cleaning forest floors can reduce the intensity and frequency of wildfires. Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2025 The male will clear an area on the forest floor, which the researchers think may be a way to reduce visual background noise so his plumage stands out even more. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 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 21 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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