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

Ford recommends using a nutrient-poor carnivorous plant compost, such as sphagnum peat mixed with perlite or silica sand. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

Ensure your planting site has well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost. — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026

Verb

Relocating, composting or throwing away the vines could result in the spread of the disease. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

The cardboard, as well as the vegetation, will compost, the naturalist assures, which will result in richer soil and a fresh new garden bed, too. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 10 July 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