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

Apply a thin layer of compost in late fall or early winter. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024

The compost is delivered to Myklevik Gård, one of the farms from where Hurtigruten sources its ingredients. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

Verb

States and cities are passing composting and food donation laws at an accelerated pace. —Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

In addition, food waste that is not composted is responsible for a large portion of methane emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Nov. 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