overstory

noun over·sto·ry \ ˈō-vər-ˌstȯr-ē \

Definition of overstory

1 : the layer of foliage in a forest canopy

2 : the trees contributing to an overstory

Recent Examples of overstory from the Web

On one occasion a whole roasted sea bream hit the tables with soft skin, maybe dampened by its overstory of an otherwise colorful and enjoyable salad of radishes and cranberry beans.

— mike sula, Chicago Reader, "With Marisol inside the MCA, Jason Hammel paints a new canvas," 13 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overstory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.