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

Sweep the porch and steps to remove any leaves, lawn clippings, mulch, or other debris that can trap moisture around the posts. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Use ground covers, mulch, and herbicides to prevent the spread of poison ivy and safely remove it when necessary. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026

Proper care, including slow watering, balanced sunlight, and organic mulch, can help revive stressed hydrangeas. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

And as Hunter bounded to the dugout, Bonds lifted him off the ground and flung him over his shoulder like a bag of mulch or a sack of potatoes. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 13 July 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