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

Denver Solid Waste Management customers can dispose of branches that fit inside their compost cart. —Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 6 May 2026

Dressing gardens with compost helps improve soil structure and fertility, supports sustainable gardening practices, keeps ecosystems in balance and can reduce greenhouse gases, agriculturists tell us. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Verb

Quite simply, composting your banana peels will have a more direct benefit on your plants than making banana water. —Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 5 May 2026

The Rasa is currently on the market, starting at US$45,000, though the final price will depend a lot on the options chosen, which include upgrades like a composting toilet, building materials, and additional kitchen cabinetry. —Adam Williams may 03, New Atlas, 3 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