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

Spread the mulch carefully to avoid filling in the trench. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025

Lowland rice would be challenging to grow in a […] Hartford Courant One method of maintaining optimal soil moisture is to mulch tomato plants with an organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, after the soil has warmed up. —Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025

If applied as a thick mulch or top dressing, coffee grounds can form a dense mat that reduces water and air penetration into the soil. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 June 2025

Research has shown that trees whose roots are covered with mulch grow better and are healthier than trees that have grass growing up to the trunk. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 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