cover crop

noun

: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

Examples of cover crop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plant winter cover crops that help prevent weeds. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026 Using these homemade products in conjunction with hand-pulling, regular mulching, weed barrier fabrics, and cover crops can keep your garden weed-free and your lawn pristine. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026 Sullivan suggests planting a cover crop around the tree to retain moisture and adding horse manure to the base as a natural fertilizer. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026 Red clover — Another non-native, but useful as a cover crop and fodder for livestock. Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover crop

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover crop was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cover crop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover%20crop. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

cover crop

noun
: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

More from Merriam-Webster on cover crop

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