mulch

noun

ˈməlch 

ˈməlsh

: a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean

mulch transitive verb

Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

When used as a natural mulch, nut shells help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, creating a stable environment for plant growth. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 26 June 2024

Add a 2-inch layer of mulch around tomato plants to limit soil moisture evaporation. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024

Add a thick layer of mulch to help moderate soil temperature. —Rebecca Bull Reed, Southern Living, 10 June 2024

And what about Luke Broderick, Kristen’s new boyfriend, who seemed more like a pile of mulch in your driveway waiting for your father to put it in his treebeds than a real person? —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mulch

• stubble mulch

Kids Definition

mulch

1 of 2 noun

ˈməlch

: a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean

mulch

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with mulch