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

Simply refresh the soil around the base of your fruit trees with an annual application of compost. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026

Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods such as fruit and fruit peels in compost piles. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026

Verb

Organic waste is composted, and in lieu of single-use plastics, eco-friendly products are used in sustainable materials. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026

Prep peels by drying, steeping, or composting to help plants absorb more nutrients and prevents pests. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 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