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 first responders were still in Pickford Township, state police said a second fire began at the Department of Public Works compost site in Kinross. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Eco effort Bottled water comes from a well on site, food waste is turned into compost for the garden and the hotel works with local producers to reduce food miles as much as possible. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Verb

Although the pest does not pose a threat to humans or animals, residents should not attempt to return, transport, relocate, dispose of, or compost the plants, officials said, since doing so may contribute to the spread of the infestation. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026

Fresh peony blooms always make for lovely arrangements around the house, and old blooms can be composted. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 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