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

Ensure your mulch layer is at least 3 inches thick to help insulate the roots as temperatures drop. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Nov. 2026

How to Cover Raised Beds With Leaves Remove any remaining old mulch. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026

Use gorilla mulch on slopes as regular mulch will collect at the base. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Keep the plants moist and maintain a light mulch over their root system. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 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