understory
noun
un·der·sto·ry
ˈən-dər-ˌstȯr-ē 
1
: an underlying layer of vegetation
specifically
: the vegetative layer and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover
2
: the plants that form the understory
Examples of understory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are grassy areas in this understory, and blowing trash, and seldom used foot and bike trails, some of them with crumbling asphalt.
—
Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
So certainly there were lots of insects in that understory that didn’t get away.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 12 July 2024
American hornbeam and flowering dogwood Evolved to thrive in the dappled shade of the forest understory with a small footprint, the hornbeam handles city heat and compact soil.
—Bishop Sand, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
Related article Newly discovered dinosaur’s horns look ‘like something a heavy metal rocker would wear’
After the dinosaurs disappeared, tropical forests became overgrown, and layers of trees created an understory and canopy.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for understory 
Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
So certainly there were lots of insects in that understory that didn’t get away.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 12 July 2024
American hornbeam and flowering dogwood Evolved to thrive in the dappled shade of the forest understory with a small footprint, the hornbeam handles city heat and compact soil.
—Bishop Sand, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
Related article Newly discovered dinosaur’s horns look ‘like something a heavy metal rocker would wear’
After the dinosaurs disappeared, tropical forests became overgrown, and layers of trees created an understory and canopy.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for understory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understory
noun
un·der·sto·ry
ˈən-dər-ˌstōr-ē
-ˌstȯr-
: the layer of plants and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover
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