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
Every red and blue photon gets sucked into a plant for photosynthesis, just the green ones ricocheting through the understory to form a kind of therapeutic light bath.
—
Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Every year in the early fall, along the riverbanks and ravines of the Southeast coast, pawpaws begin to show up in the understory.
—Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
They’re supported by a colorful understory of oaks, grapevines and sumacs.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Skilled operators tend to target invasive shrubs, vines that choke desirable trees, and excessive saplings, while preserving mature canopy and valuable understory.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understory
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Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Every year in the early fall, along the riverbanks and ravines of the Southeast coast, pawpaws begin to show up in the understory.
—Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
They’re supported by a colorful understory of oaks, grapevines and sumacs.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Skilled operators tend to target invasive shrubs, vines that choke desirable trees, and excessive saplings, while preserving mature canopy and valuable understory.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understory
Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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