undergrowth

noun

Definition of undergrowthnext
as in vegetation
low-growing plant life (such as bushes or seedlings) existing under larger trees in a forest A thick undergrowth covered the rain forest.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of undergrowth Armed with a basket and a stick, her keen eyes scanned the damp, leafy undergrowth. — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026 LightRocket via Getty Images The pride lay hidden in the undergrowth. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 There was a strong wind, blowing in my favor and making enough noise in the undergrowth to cover my movements. — Fred Bear, Outdoor Life, 11 June 2026 Rodent holes, brush piles, firewood, timbers, dense undergrowth, and leaf piles can also attract wasps in search of a place to nest. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergrowth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergrowth
  1. vegetation
  2. foliage
Noun
  • Arid canyons and rocky expanses with little vegetation are conducive to flash flooding and the tropical weather adds more risk, said Andrew Mangham, senior service hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
    — Martín Silva Rey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Engineering methods of the USACE aim to use sand and vegetation to shield areas from severe storm surges and flooding.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of vegetation
Noun
  • Prune bee balm, phlox, and peonies in fall to prevent diseases like powdery mildew; do not compost diseased foliage.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026
  • West Jefferson makes an easy base for fall hikes, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and peak foliage across North Carolina’s High Country.
    — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of foliage

Browse Nearby Words

undergrounds
undergrowth
undergrowths
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Cite this Entry

“Undergrowth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergrowth. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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