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

Keeping vegetation, mulch, and irrigation water away from foundations can also reduce ant activity near structures. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026

Shade young plants from afternoon sun or apply mulch to keep the soil cool, and make sure the soil doesn’t dry out. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

Keep the area around your home free from debris, such as leaf piles, mulch, and grass clippings. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Remove mint plants from the ground by digging them out or covering with cardboard and mulch. — The Spruce, 6 July 2026

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