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 about 1 inch of these mulches or similar products, and keep an inch or two from the base of annual flowers. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Use clean, sharp pruners and add mulch and fertilizer in fall to prep roses for winter. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026

Spread a 1-inch layer of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the soil’s surface, being careful not to pile it up against the canes to retain moisture. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

In Homewood on Tuesday, gigantic piles of mulch, tree limbs, and branches were already lying around from storms that hit earlier in the summer. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 11 Aug. 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