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

That compost shows up as mulch and soil amendment in tree and other plantings around the city. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

The Vivosun 43-gallon compost bin is an easy way to turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into rich soil, without the mess. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025

Verb

Spread a thick layer of straw on your vegetable garden in the fall, then plant right into that composting straw in spring. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025

So, while you might be tempted to store the mower after dealing with seasonal tasks like composting annuals and harvesting your garden, remember to keep mowing your grass as needed. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 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