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

Think of it as a modern compost bin crossed with a high-efficiency dehydrator. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025

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, 17 Apr. 2025

Verb

Simple lifestyle changes such as minimizing waste, composting, recycling, and buying secondhand items can all make a big impact. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025

From farm tours and electric vehicle showcases to worm composting workshops, local organizations are celebrating Earth Month with hands-on events designed to educate and inspire residents to go green. —Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 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