forest floor

noun

: the richly organic layer of soil and debris characteristic of forested land

Examples of forest floor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
My morning rambles cross mossy forest floors strewn with spring ephemerals. Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 His Habemus Papam is garnet colored with aromas of cassis, plum, and forest floor. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025 In Indiana, oriental bittersweet has migrated uninvited into national and state parks, forest floors and some of the state's most beloved natural areas. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025 Not only does this help the mushrooms continue to sprinkle their spores along the forest floor, aiding the development of new mycelial networks, but this also avoids bruising and allows the delicate fungi to breathe, keeping them fresh and firm on the journey home. Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forest floor

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forest floor was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
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