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

Backyard additions like parking pads, compost piles, and chickens need thoughtful planning to prevent critters, flooding, or property disputes. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

The soil, Hakena Hulitt said, was hard, dry and cracked from being farmed with heavy machinery, and has been rejuvenated with compost, tilling and learning how to keep weeds at bay without pesticides. — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Verb

At Kanuhura, there are no single-use plastics (front and back of house), wastewater is recycled, food waste is composted, and nearly 50 kilos of herbs and vegetables are harvested from organic gardens every month. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026

If my takeout was truly terrible, I'm allowed to toss it or, better yet, compost it. — Emily Siner, NPR, 27 June 2026

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