cover crop

noun

: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

Examples of cover crop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is accomplished by planting fall/winter cover crops after the main season crops. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 This approach may extend the cover crop growing season without disrupting cash crop harvest. — Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 This charming ground cover is often used as a natural soil-enriching cover crop or a resilient lawn alternative. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 Visitors to Halter Ranch sometimes mistake the cover crop growing under the vines for neglect. — Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover crop

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover crop was in 1899

Rhymes for cover crop

See All Rhymes for cover crop

Browse Nearby Words

coverchief
cover crop
Coverdale
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Cite this Entry

“Cover crop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover%20crop. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

cover crop

noun
: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

More from Merriam-Webster on cover crop

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cover crop

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