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

Removing flammable debris, mulch, firewood and vegetation from around buildings also reduces the risk of fire spreading to the home. — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Fall leaves create a natural mulch, which helps suppress weeds and improves the soil with organic matter as the leaves decompose. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

How to Handle Grass Growing Over Tree Roots If grass is growing over tree roots, Abdi recommends replacing it with mulch. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 1 Nov. 2026

Save on maintenance and keep the trees happier by allowing leaves to remain in place as a natural mulch. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 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