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

Weed and Mulch Remove weeds that may have appeared in your beds, then apply a fresh 3 -to 4-inch layer of organic mulch to all beds, both newly planted and established. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025

There are a few things to keep in mind when using paper mulch. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025

Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch keeping it away from the trunk. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025

Types of mulch and how to use them Though the most common type of mulch used around trees and in garden beds is comprised of wood chips and bark, there are other types of organic mulch that can help protect and nourish plants, too. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 25 Apr. 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