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

Miller’s top tip is mulch — and then more mulch. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026

The Kane County Forest Preserve District celebrated Earth Day a little early over the weekend by inviting volunteers to plant, mulch and water 500 new trees at Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva. —David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Practically, it can be used for a driveway, a walkway, or as mulch, planted (as Grace does) with unthirsty grasses. —Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

The complex series of tubes required for irrigation is typically either buried right under a layer of mulch or is right on top of the soil. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 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