ground cover

noun

1
: the small plants on a forest floor except young trees
2
a
: a planting of low plants (such as ivy) that covers the ground in place of turf
b
: a plant adapted for use as ground cover

Examples of ground cover 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.
The tubers were rescued Friday amid dense woods and thick ground cover by two state troopers and three Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026 This living ground cover prevents soil erosion, retains moisture, and adds organic matter to topsoil. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 Another approach is to surround a tree with a planting of a ground cover that doesn’t need to be mowed or trimmed. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 Voles may also create narrow pathways through grass and vegetation, particularly in areas with dense ground cover. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ground cover

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ground cover was in 1900

Rhymes for ground cover

See All Rhymes for ground cover

Browse Nearby Words

ground course
ground cover
ground crew
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Cite this Entry

“Ground cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20cover. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

ground cover

noun
: low-growing plants that cover the ground (as in a forest or in place of grass or a lawn)
also : a plant used as ground cover

More from Merriam-Webster on ground cover

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ground cover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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