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

This method works for xeriscape gardens, which use more rock on the interior, or for traditional garden beds with mulch. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026

To prevent the fallow area from turning into a weed patch, cover it with agricultural-grade plastic or a thick layer of slowly decomposing mulch such as wood chips. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026

Mulch Organic mulch, such as pine straw or shredded hardwoods, breaks down within a year or two of application. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

Botanical knowledge was passed on in verse, which is easier to remember, so a gardener knew to place raspberries next to roses, that September was the best time to transplant gooseberries and currants, and that sowing edible weeds like fat hen and thistle between the crops serves as a living mulch. —Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 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