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

Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and adjust pH as needed prior to planting to provide an acidic environment. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025

Another option is to start a compost pile with those same materials. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 Nov. 2025

Verb

After recycling, it is often composted or burned along with other materials in energy-from-waste plants. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025

The first pit is filled and the waste is treated for composting. —NPR, 19 Nov. 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