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

Apply Mulch Keep the lily’s roots cool during summer by adding 2 inches of mulch over the soil’s surface. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025

Provide a fresh layer of mulch over the roots to moderate soil temperatures over the winter. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025

Joe Roeser was spreading mulch near a pond that was close to their house in Sun City when an alligator reached for him from the water, NBC Palm Springs, ABC News and WJCL 22 News reported. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Like all shrubs, trees and perennials, rosebushes benefit from a layer of mulch over their roots. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 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