underbrush

noun

un·​der·​brush ˈən-dər-ˌbrəsh How to pronounce underbrush (audio)
1
: shrubs, bushes, or small trees growing beneath large trees in a wood or forest : brush
2
: a tangled, obstructing, or impeding mass

Examples of underbrush in a Sentence

We made our way through the thick underbrush.
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.
The area was filled with underbrush, but the Stratfords have since cleaned it and planted grass, giving the trees room to grow. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 17 Oct. 2024 As if to prove the point, a butterfly — specifically, an Arizona sister — flitted among the manzanita underbrush, flashing bright orange spots from the tips of its dark wings. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024 So, that day in May 2013, Hendricks, who grew up in Baltimore and teaches at Towson University, was surprised to see one. Surprised even more that the bobcat, after locking eyes for a moment with Hendricks, did not scamper into the underbrush. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 5 Apr. 2024 Dens can be a steep bank, rock crevices, sinkholes or underbrush, according to the Forest Service. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underbrush 

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underbrush was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near underbrush

Cite this Entry

“Underbrush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underbrush. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

underbrush

noun
un·​der·​brush ˈən-dər-ˌbrəsh How to pronounce underbrush (audio)
: shrubs and small trees growing among large trees : undergrowth

More from Merriam-Webster on underbrush

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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