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 with compost as needed and rake the surface smooth. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Refill it with native soil and some compost (and even some aged manure) prior to planting. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025

Verb

So, while you might be tempted to store the mower after dealing with seasonal tasks like composting annuals and harvesting your garden, remember to keep mowing your grass as needed. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025

Some of the activities include creating a backyard habitat; planting an urban garden; easy craft projects including making a pinecone bird feeder or constructing a frog hotel; digging a mini pond; backyard composting and assembling leaf and log piles. —Martha Shade, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 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