geology
: a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1a(2)) portion of soil
Examples of humus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The plant thrives in moist, humus-rich woodland soil but also grows in average garden soil.
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Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Apr. 2026
About 10 pounds of marinated chicken and about a half-pound of humus and cut tomatoes measured above safe temperatures.
—Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Soil and Water Japanese maple likes a slightly acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
In flower beds, a light layer acts as natural mulch, insulating roots and conserving soil moisture while decomposing into rich humus over time.
—Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humus
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Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Apr. 2026
About 10 pounds of marinated chicken and about a half-pound of humus and cut tomatoes measured above safe temperatures.
—Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Soil and Water Japanese maple likes a slightly acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
In flower beds, a light layer acts as natural mulch, insulating roots and conserving soil moisture while decomposing into rich humus over time.
—Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humus
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humus. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
humus
noun
hu·mus
ˈhyü-məs 
ˈyü-
: a brown or black product of partial decay of plant or animal matter that forms the organic portion of soil
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