mulch

noun

ˈməlch 

ˈməlsh

: a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean

mulch transitive verb

Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, cover plantings with a loose layer of straw mulch to insulate the soil and consider adding row covers over your plants so their leaves don’t get damaged by the cold. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

Cover the base of roses with a thick layer of mulch to insulate the roots. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025

Compost, mulch, and microbial balance are as much a part of the firm’s services as pruning roses or planting containers. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025

Organic waste like fruit and yard trimmings will be transformed into compost and mulch at the new organics processing facility, which is scheduled to begin operating in 2027. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mulch

• stubble mulch

Rhymes for mulch

• gulch

Kids Definition

mulch

1 of 2 noun

ˈməlch

: a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean

mulch

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with mulch