mulch

noun

ˈməlch 

ˈməlsh

: a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean

mulch transitive verb

Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

For bare soil or areas heavily infested with persistent weeds, apply a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch directly over the bare soil. — Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

For the remainder of the year and in warmer climates a 2-inch mulch layer provides protection. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026

Weiss suggests adding 1/2 an inch of mulch around the plant for moisture retention, soil temperature control, and weed control. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Sep. 2026

Crews removed grass over 4,400 square feet, put down mulch and park benches and planted 173 species of native plants, such as deer grass, ceanothus, sticky monkey flower, red buckwheat and manzanita. — Paul Rogers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mulch

• stubble mulch

Rhymes for mulch

• gulch

Kids Definition

mulch

1 of 2 noun

ˈməlch

: a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean

mulch

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with mulch