compost

1 of 2

noun

com·​post ˈkäm-ˌpōst 

especially British -ˌpäst

1

: a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land

2

: mixture, compound

compost

2 of 2

verb

composted; composting; composts

transitive verb

: to convert (a material, such as plant debris) to compost

compostable

ˈkäm-ˌpō-stə-bəl 

adjective

composter

ˈkäm-ˌpō-stər 

noun

Examples of compost in a Sentence

Verb

We compost leaves in our backyard.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Another way to naturally enrich soil is spreading compost. —Matt Alderton, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

This may involve adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or peat moss. —Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026

Verb

Solid manure from feedlots, poultry houses or composting dairy barns is spread and tilled under. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026

Since then, lawmakers have tried repeatedly to come up with solutions that would reduce the amount of stuff being thrown away, divert more of it to compost and recycling facilities and manage whatever is left within the state’s borders. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin compostum, from Latin, neuter of compositus, compostus, past participle of componere

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1829, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing compost

• compost heap
• compost pile

Kids Definition

compost

noun

com·​post

ˈkäm-ˌpōst

: a mixture largely of decayed matter of once living things (as plant debris) used for fertilizing and conditioning land