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
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It is garnet colored in the glass with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, and a touch of forest floor followed by balanced acidity and flavors of ripe red and black fruits with just a touch of cigar box on the finish. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025 In Great Smoky Mountains National Park From March trilliums, violets, bloodroot and spring beauty cover the forest floor of Great Smoky National Park, making trails like Porter’s Creek and Little River Trail incredibly scenic. Emese MacZko, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Giant old growth conifers rise towards the heavens while thick ferns and mosses blanket the forest floor, all combining to dampen sound. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 4 Mar. 2025 Most of the plants were located near decomposing logs on the forest floor or beneath the litter layer. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 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 26 Mar. 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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