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

While not great as pest control, use old coffee grounds as a compost additive, plant fertilizer, natural cleaner, and odor absorber. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026

That could mean anything from holding a meeting on compost, knocking on your neighbors’ doors, or putting up signage next to the bins showing what can and can’t be composted. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2026

Verb

Decomposing plant matter will meanwhile be composted and used to make seats, flooring and tiles for the museum. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

Other initiatives include recycling of oils, composting organic waste, making compotes from damaged fruits, eschewing plastic and individual packaging, and use of eco-friendly cleaning products. —Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 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