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

To make this mulch, crush broken terracotta pieces into smaller chunky shards and scatter them around snail and slug-vulnerable plants, including lettuces, hostas, or strawberries. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026

An annual application of compost serves as an excellent mulch to meet their nutritional needs. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026

Overwintering Nelliet™ Holly benefits from a layer of mulch in winter to moderate soil temperatures and conserve moisture. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026

Treated Straw, Hay and Turfgrass Be selective about offers of free products like community mulches or used livestock bedding and manure from area farms. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 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