undergrowth

noun

un·​der·​growth ˈən-dər-ˌgrōth How to pronounce undergrowth (audio)
Synonyms of undergrowthnext
: low growth on the floor of a forest including seedlings and saplings, shrubs, and herbs

Examples of undergrowth 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.
There was a strong wind, blowing in my favor and making enough noise in the undergrowth to cover my movements. — Fred Bear, Outdoor Life, 11 June 2026 Rodent holes, brush piles, firewood, timbers, dense undergrowth, and leaf piles can also attract wasps in search of a place to nest. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 Phase 1 involves clearing all remaining stumps and undergrowth. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 LightRocket via Getty Images The pride lay hidden in the undergrowth. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergrowth

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undergrowth was in 1600

Rhymes for undergrowth

See All Rhymes for undergrowth

Browse Nearby Words

undergrown
undergrowth
under guard
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Cite this Entry

“Undergrowth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undergrowth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

undergrowth

noun
un·​der·​growth ˈən-dər-ˌgrōth How to pronounce undergrowth (audio)
: low growth on the floor of a forest including seedlings and saplings, shrubs, and herbs

More from Merriam-Webster on undergrowth

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for undergrowth

Nglish: Translation of undergrowth for Spanish Speakers

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