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

Spreading a layer of mulch over the roots of a new plant — or any plant — also helps keep the soil from drying out. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025

State regs oversimplify Many of the latest Zone 0 recommendations, such as prohibiting mulch and attached fences made of materials that can burn, stem from large-scale tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. —Max Moritz, Mercury News, 5 June 2025

Although standoffish, slime molds actually facilitate breakdown of mulch into minerals that are essential for plant growth. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 June 2025

Once your seedlings sprout, add mulch around your plants to keep weeds down. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025

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