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

Use this mixture to water your pothos plant every two weeks, applying directly to the compost and avoiding the foliage. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026

Synthetic fibers won’t break down in the compost bin, and dryer sheets and fabric softeners leave harmful residues behind. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

Verb

The cardboard, as well as the vegetation, will compost, the naturalist assures, which will result in richer soil and a fresh new garden bed, too. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026

The most impactful thing people can do at home is reducing waste at the source -- more so than composting and recycling, Bleveans noted. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 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