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

Holding a tomato half over a compost bin or trash can, insert your thumb or finger into the cavities to nudge out the seeds and goo. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

Lenexa Drop your compost Compost Collective KC’s food waste bin swap program will be at the Lenexa Farmers Market, 17201 W. 87th St. Parkway, on Saturday, Aug. 16. —Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025

Verb

Since becoming Adams’ top deputy this spring, Mastro has pushed to reverse several Adams administration initiatives, including a plan to build affordable housing in Manhattan’s Elizabeth Street Garden as well as a new composting fine structure on landlords. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025

Human composting is part of trend in the funeral industry toward more sustainable and environmentally-friendly burials. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025

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