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

Add some compost to the hole and dig it into the soil. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026

Choose a high-quality potting mix that contains compost, which also provides a light boost of nutrients, particularly nitrogen. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

Verb

Wet waste, defined as organic and biodegradable material, including food, vegetables, and similar waste, must be processed as close to the source as possible through methods such as composting or other biological treatment. —Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026

Don't leave garbage, recycling or composting cans outside, or consider bear-resistant containers with locks or latches. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 8 May 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