compost

1 of 2

noun

com·​post ˈkäm-ˌpōst 

 especially British  -ˌpäst

1

: a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land

2

: mixture, compound

compost

2 of 2

verb

composted; composting; composts

transitive verb

: to convert (a material, such as plant debris) to compost

compostable

ˈkäm-ˌpō-stə-bəl 

adjective

composter

ˈkäm-ˌpō-stər 

noun

Examples of compost in a Sentence

Verb

We compost leaves in our backyard.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The potted plant experiment gave Wilde the idea that incorporating unused wool—which can hold up to 35% of its weight in H2O—into his compost pile might keep the product moist. —Lindsey King, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024

To avoid pest issues, bury parchment paper deep in your compost pile or use a covered compost bin with a lid. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2024

Verb

The text included a bipartisan recycling bill sponsored by Sen. Tom Carper and Shelley Moore Capito to require EPA to collect and publish data on recycling and explore a national composting program. —Daniel Moore, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024

Here is a summary of ideas on how the class of 2025 sees hospitality evolving in four categories by 2034: Planet - Mandatory composting and recycling in all restaurants. —Laurel Donnellan, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin compostum, from Latin, neuter of compositus, compostus, past participle of componere

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1829, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing compost

• compost heap
• compost pile

Kids Definition

compost

noun

com·​post

ˈkäm-ˌpōst

: a mixture largely of decayed matter of once living things (as plant debris) used for fertilizing and conditioning land