mulch

noun

\ ˈməlch

, ˈməlsh\

Definition of mulch

: 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

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Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

What does work, again, is mowing them, cutting them with a weed eater and using mulches. — Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, "It’s been a cool spring, but don’t be fooled. Now is the time to put plants in the ground.," 31 May 2018 Some experts suggest using mulch, while others suggest using play sand. — Rebecca Kurson, Good Housekeeping, "10 Genius Tips For Dog-Proofing Your Garden," 17 Jan. 2018 When winter looms, apply a mulch of crisscrossed evergreen boughs to help plants make it through the cold weather ahead. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "How to Grow the Most Gorgeous Chrysanthemums This Fall," 9 Aug. 2018 In one case, the student pinned the twin sister on the ground, mocked her appearance, and then rubbed mulch into her eyes, according to the complaint. — Robert Moran, Philly.com, "Lawsuit: Camden school failed to stop bullying of disabled kids," 24 May 2018 Also, rake up debris around the bushes and apply new mulch. — Debbie Arrington, sacbee, "Warm weather speeds up garden clock," 9 Feb. 2018 They're turned into mulch, which is then often used to spruce up public land (think parks and community gardens) or given to people who need it, according to The New York Times. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need To Know About Recycling Your Christmas Tree," 20 Dec. 2018 Conversely, a dedicated mulching blade helps mulch leaves into your lawn. — Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, "Do I Need To Change My Lawnmower Blades?," 22 Jan. 2019 By the end of the hugging, the parade of students had tamped down enough mulch so the redbud sat on top of a mound of much like a cherry on a sundae. — Bill Leukhardt, courant.com, "Wethersfield School Remembers First Grader Who Died Of Cancer," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mulch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for mulch

Last Updated

24 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for mulch

The first known use of mulch was in 1657

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More Definitions for mulch

mulch

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mulch

: a material (such as straw, leaves, or small pieces of wood) that is spread over the ground in a garden to protect the plants or help them grow and to stop weeds from growing

See the full definition for mulch in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mulch

noun

\ ˈməlch

Kids Definition of mulch

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a material (as straw or bark) spread over the ground especially to protect the roots of plants from heat or cold, to keep soil moist, and to control weeds