tree line

[tree-lahyn] / ˈtriˌlaɪn /

NOUN

line past which no trees grow

Synonyms

WEAK

timberline tree zone upper reaches upper slopes

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Viewed from the village below, or glimpsed on the way up the forested hill, the structure looks topographical—a glistening summit just above a tree line.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Although many of Alabama’s old-growth forests have long been cut down and replaced with trees that grow on a timeline more suitable for its logging industry, its tree line is still lush and visually impressive.

From Slate • Aug. 31, 2025

He used to farm the fields nearby their dug-out – hidden in a tree line.

From BBC • May 26, 2024

But once they got below the tree line, they got more protection from the wind.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2024

As he watched, it spread vast scaled wings and took flight, flapping above the tree line.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell