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 more weed-fighting power, put down a layer of brown cardboard on the soil followed by a thick layer of compost or other organic mulch. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

Various programs will repurpose the decor, turning it into mulch or fertilizer and giving it a second life. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Finally, regardless of your mulch of choice, please, no mulch volcanoes around the base of trees and no more than 2-inches of mulch on any bed. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

These would be the various types of hardwood mulches. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 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