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.
Heavily wooded areas are accustomed to more frequent fires, which mostly burned at low intensity, clearing the debris and vegetation on the forest floor without killing the larger trees. Lauren Sommer, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025 Amphibians such as frogs and toads thrive in the moisture-rich soil, while reptiles like garter snakes patrol the forest floor. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Opening the canopy dries out the forest floor and increases wind speeds, both of which accelerate fire. Elizabeth Miller, Outside Online, 12 Jan. 2025 Trackers used thermal cameras to scan the forest floors in search of the hornet colony’s signature heat. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near forest floor

Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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