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

For winter care, water deeply in fall before the ground freezes, and apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch, such as wood chips, around the base. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026

The layer of mulch is less than 2 inches deep. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026

The law means removing anything flammable, including plants, mulch, most artificial turfs, plastic rain barrels, storage sheds, trash bins, wood piles, hot tubs and patio furniture within five feet. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

Leave a mulch gap: Mulch that touches the trunk can serve as a bridge for rot and pests to reach the evergreen. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 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