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

Protect Spring and Early Summer Hydrangeas The top benefit in creating a mulch mound at the plant's base is to protect flower buds and ensure your hydrangeas bloom beautifully next season. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2025

Compost or mulch leaves into your lawn to return the leaves' nutrients back to your soil. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025

According to a task force update in early October, unarmed troops had cleared 1,099 bags of trash and spread 1,045 cubic yards of mulch, among other beautification efforts like removing graffiti and cleaning parks. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Nov. 2025

As a mulch, a two-inch layer around plants should be sufficient. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 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