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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Her findings demonstrate that commercial logging releases greenhouse gases and stops the natural cycle of regrowth, preventing the forest floor from sharing carbon resources. Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 The forest floor was soft, blanketed with moss, pine needles, and clover. Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026 Everything is tucked into soil, which is topped with sheet moss to mimic a forest floor. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026 Spathiphyllum, or peace lily, is an evergreen tropical plant found on the forest floor of rainforests. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 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 11 Mar. 2026.

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
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