mulch

noun

ˈməlch How to pronounce mulch (audio)
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
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.
Hirvela recommends a good two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch for hydrangeas. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026 Early warmth may cause soil to dry out sooner than usual, so add a layer of mulch to keep moisture in. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026 Eliminate exposed soil by using ground cover plants, mulch, or gravel. Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 26 Jan. 2026 Don’t remove old mulch but add a light topping as needed. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mulch

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mulch was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mulch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mulch. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mulch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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