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
Treks to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 2,088 acres near the border with Mexico, revealed an understory alive with even more birdsong, from the wo-woo-ooo of white-tipped doves to the CHA-CHA-LAC-A that gives that tropical chicken its common name.
—
Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025
Prescribed fire, including vegetation cutting, removal and burning of piles and low-intensity understory burning, is an important tool to meet the Forest Service's management objectives for ecological restoration, creating habitat for plants and animals and reducing unwanted fuel loading.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2025
The understory is teeming with insects like butterflies, bees and beetles, which play critical roles in pollination and decomposition.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
They’re supported by an understory of grapevines, sumac and Virginia creeper in a tangle of varying hues.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
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Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025
Prescribed fire, including vegetation cutting, removal and burning of piles and low-intensity understory burning, is an important tool to meet the Forest Service's management objectives for ecological restoration, creating habitat for plants and animals and reducing unwanted fuel loading.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2025
The understory is teeming with insects like butterflies, bees and beetles, which play critical roles in pollination and decomposition.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
They’re supported by an understory of grapevines, sumac and Virginia creeper in a tangle of varying hues.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understory
Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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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