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Definition of forest

forest

/ˈfɔːr.ɪst/
for · est

Plural:forests
•
Adjective:forestal
•
Past Simple:forested
•
Past Participle:forested
•
Present Participle:foresting
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forest Lexical Profile

forest Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large continuous expanse of land covered chiefly with trees and dense undergrowth.

Example

"The hikers spent three days trekking through the dense pine forest, marveling at the towering trees."


2

A dense or tangled mass of objects.

Example

"She stepped to the podium, facing a forest of microphones and television cameras."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To cover (land) with trees or plant with a forest.

Example

"The government launched an ambitious initiative to forest the barren hillsides over the next decade."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'woods', a 'forest' is generally understood to be much larger, denser, and more ecologically complex.

• Rhymes for forest

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English, via Old French 'forest', from Late Latin 'foresta' (silva) meaning 'wood outside', likely deriving from Latin 'foris' (outside). Originally, it referred to unenclosed woodland reserved for royal hunting.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forest
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