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
House Bill 955 would change the flower to the native sweetbay magnolia, a small evergreen understory tree with a fragrant white flower.
—
Dan Raby, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
This wonderful, hardy, and disease-resistant tree gradually develops into a beautiful understory thicket, providing habitat for wildlife.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
And the 8,000-square-foot understory has the capacity to house up to 10 vehicles.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2026
Howard Mill understory burning off of the M1 Road in Lake County.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
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Dan Raby, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
This wonderful, hardy, and disease-resistant tree gradually develops into a beautiful understory thicket, providing habitat for wildlife.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
And the 8,000-square-foot understory has the capacity to house up to 10 vehicles.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2026
Howard Mill understory burning off of the M1 Road in Lake County.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understory
Cite this Entry
“Understory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understory. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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