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

Only after the process is complete will the nutrients within compost be available for plant roots to absorb, since the microbes convert them into a plant-usable form from the raw materials put into the pile. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025

Prepare Garden Beds and Containers: To get those garden beds ready for the growing season ahead, Funk recommends checking soil pH, adding compost, and applying a slow-release fertilizer. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025

Verb

On weekdays, volunteers give thousands of schoolchildren tours and workshops on conservation, composting and pollination. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025

Use at least two sustainable practices, like the elimination of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, composting, soil and water conservation tactics, reducing lawn areas and using native plants. —Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025

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