topsoil

noun

top·​soil ˈtäp-ˌsȯi(-ə)l 

: surface soil usually including the organic layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

Examples of topsoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This living ground cover prevents soil erosion, retains moisture, and adds organic matter to topsoil. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026

Research after previous wildfires found that up to 34% of properties still contained hazardous contamination, such as heavy metals, even after the debris had been removed and the topsoil scraped away. — Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Once the ground is cleared and loosened, work in a layer of topsoil, compost, or fertilizer before laying down seed. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026

Stewart explains that the scientists carted off the island’s entire topsoil layer. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for topsoil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• trefoil
• turmoil
• aerofoil

Kids Definition

topsoil

noun

top·​soil -ˌsȯil 

: surface soil usually including the rich upper layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing