Undergrowth: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe dense vegetation, including bushes and small trees, that grows close to the forest floor. Often found in forests or wooded areas.

• The deer was hiding in the thick undergrowth.
• We had to cut through the dense undergrowth to reach the clearing.

Refers to shrubs, small trees, and other plants growing beneath the taller trees in a forest. This term is commonly used in North American English.

• The forest fire spread quickly due to the dry underbrush.
• Clearing the underbrush helped reduce the risk of wildfires.

Used specifically in scientific and ecological contexts to describe the layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest, including shrubs and smaller trees.

• The biodiversity of the understorey is crucial for the health of the forest.
• Many animals find shelter and food in the forest's understorey.

An old-fashioned or less commonly used term that refers to the undergrowth or the shrubs and small trees growing under the canopy of a forest.

• The ancient forest was dense with underwood, making it hard to navigate.
• He was knowledgeable about the various types of plants in the underwood.