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

Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds in check. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025

Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately. —Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Leave this mulch layer in place through winter to insulate your garlic from the cold, and then rake it away and compost the mulch in spring when your garlic starts to produce fresh leafy growth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025

Beneficial soil microbes die in the process, so mulch afterward to re-establish their populations. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 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