Definition of "vegetation"

Thus the growth of vegetation, though effected in a greater or less degree by the strong wind, the violent rain, and the heat and glare of the noonday sun, is yet still more effectually promoted by the mild action of the gentler breezes, the softly descending dew, and the less intense heat.

1838, William Andrus Alcott, chapter I, in The Young House-keeper: Or, Thoughts on Food and Cookery‎, third stereotype edition, Boston: George W. Light, page 21

As soon as the faintest ray of light reaches a seedling, heliotropism will guide it through any crack in the soil, or through an entangled mass of overlying vegetation; […]

1880 November 6, Charles Darwin, Francis Darwin, chapter XII, in The Power of Movement in Plants‎, page 555

Similarity of vegetation on meadows was the result of heavy grazing and trampling by large numbers of driveway sheep before the study was begun.

1951 August, Albert Watts Moore, Elbert Hann Reid, “The Dalles Pocket Gopher and Its Influence on Forage Production of Oregon Mountain Meadows”, in Circular‎, number 884, Washington, D.C: U.S. Department of Agriculture, page 11

As towns continue to grow, replanting vegetation has become a form of urban utopia and green roofs are spreading fast.

2013 May 10, Audrey Garric, “Urban canopies let nature bloom”, in The Guardian Weekly‎, volume 188, number 22, page 30