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

Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to boost plant growth. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Sep. 2026

Reencle's products, however, use living microbes to create real compost that's ready to be added to your garden. — Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

Do not compost or use diseased tissue for wood chips, as remaining fungal structures will survive for several years and may infect new host plants. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

Environmentalists and lawmakers agree the new law will be expensive for large businesses that have to reduce their packaging or find alternative materials that can be recycled or composted. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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