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

Add Row Covers and Mulch When the soil temperatures have warmed to around 75°F, add straw mulch to lock in moisture and keep weeds down. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026

Look more closely for Volutella blight in dense plantings where heavy mulch has been used and when conditions are warm and moist. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026

Plant the Base Start with the grass—a layer of living green mulch—choosing sedge or a bunch-type grass and spacing plants 12 inches apart. —Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026

Cover the base of the plant with mulch. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 3 May 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