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

Feed with Compost Apply compost to your hydrangeas at the end of the fall season to keep them nourished during the winter months. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2025

Adding weeds to a compost pile can spread weed seeds that will re-invade your garden or lawn. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Verb

Made from sustainable sources—like castor beans, oils and polysaccharides—BioCir Flex biodegrades into renewable biomass when composted in industrial facilities or can be recycled for continuous use. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025

Toss them into the trash, don't compost them. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 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