ground cover

noun

1

: the small plants on a forest floor except young trees

2

a

: a planting of low plants (such as ivy) that covers the ground in place of turf

b

: a plant adapted for use as ground cover

Examples of ground cover in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Voles may also create narrow pathways through grass and vegetation, particularly in areas with dense ground cover. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026

The tires are shredded, cleaned, and treated before being repurposed as a durable ground cover for outdoor spaces. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

If this insect truly is a nuisance for you, use mulch, plant ground covers or install sod to cover bare soil areas. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Outside, sensory gardens use cat-safe grasses, rosemary, mint and textured ground covers to give dogs something to explore. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ground cover

• discover
• hardcover
• recover
• thereover
• uncover
• hover
• plover
• rediscover
• undercover

Kids Definition

ground cover

noun

: low-growing plants that cover the ground (as in a forest or in place of grass or a lawn)

also : a plant used as ground cover