topsoil

noun

top·​soil ˈtäp-ˌsȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce topsoil (audio)
: surface soil usually including the organic layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

Examples of topsoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Previous wildfire testing has found roughly 20% of properties fail to meet California’s cleanup goals for potentially toxic materials after a first round of debris removal, which typically involves taking off about 6 inches of topsoil. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 Bulk mulch, compost, and topsoil are sold by the cubic yard, which equals 27 cubic feet. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Any environmental damage could in the end be irreparable, because large areas of the park rest on solid bedrock and lack significant topsoil. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025 Trees help to reduce the erosion of topsoil caused by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air and also provide habitats for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for topsoil

Word History

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topsoil was in 1733

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Cite this Entry

“Topsoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topsoil. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

topsoil

noun
top·​soil -ˌsȯil How to pronounce topsoil (audio)
: surface soil usually including the rich upper layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

More from Merriam-Webster on topsoil

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