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

Cover the area with a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to insulate them from the cold. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

Manufactured in Windom, the mower can blow leaves, plow snow, sweep sidewalks and move mulch. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025

To keep plants in place and protect their developing root system, spread a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of pine needles, straw, or other organic mulch over the root zone. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025

Soldiers have also been spotted in parks carrying out tasks typically assigned to gardeners and landscapers – shoveling mulch, blowing leaves and scooping up trash. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

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