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

Pull the mulch back and sprinkle dry fertilizer onto the soil around the drip lines, then hand water to help the fertilizer penetrate into the soil. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Its ongoing care depends on an army of volunteers who spread mulch, remove invasive plants and tend the community garden. — Todd Lookingbill, The Conversation, 31 July 2026

His advice is to match the mulch to the situation, using wood chips around tender plantings and gravel where winter warmth is welcome. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

On Wednesday, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation crews were on site aerating the soil and laying mulch as part of the restoration process. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 30 July 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