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

Move firewood and mulch away from exterior walls. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 16 June 2026

Consider using a mulch layer around the base of your roses to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026

The mulch should be porous enough to let water and air pass through it, but dense enough to prevent weed growth. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Then, fill the hole with soil, add mulch around the base of your daylily, and water deeply. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 16 June 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