peat moss

noun

1

: sphagnum moss that has become compacted with other plant debris to form peat (see peat entry 1 sense 1a)

When harvested from the bog, peat moss dries out quickly and is turned into amendments meant to improve drainage and retain moisture in soils.

—Kim Pokorny

The area was so full of peat moss, the construction crew had to dig down three metres to find solid footing for bridge abutments.

—Elise Stolte

2

: dried and processed peat used especially as a soil amendment (see amendment sense 3)

… commercial potting soil contains peat moss, commonly sourced from bogs in Canada, which are exceptional carbon sinks.

—Paige Curtis

Examples of peat moss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Spread a couple of inches of damp bedding material, such as peat moss, shredded paper, or good old-fashioned dirt, in the bottom of the container. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

This may involve adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or peat moss. —Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026

Over time, the organic materials in most potting mixes, such as peat moss, bark, compost, or coconut coir, break down. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

One popular recipe is a 50/50 ratio of peat moss and perlite. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for peat moss

• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• blas

Kids Definition

peat moss

noun

: sphagnum