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

According to the village website, garbage spilling out of dumpsters, not picking up pet waste, spilling birdseed from bird feeders, open compost bins, throwing food on the ground for birds, cats and other animals, and dumpsters and garbage containers in disrepair can be food sources for rats. —Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

Fireplace ashes can be a great addition to compost, adding potassium and helping to manage acidity levels. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

Verb

This is far from the state’s goal to reduce, recycle or compost 75% of all the waste produced, a target mandated by 2022’s Senate Bill 54. —Kerry Jackson, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026

Neighbors said people complained about the smell of King composting. —Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 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