: volcanic glass that has a concentric structure, appears as if composed of concretions, is usually grayish and sometimes spherulitic, and when heated expands to form a lightweight aggregate used especially in concrete and plaster and as a medium for potting plants
Examples of perlite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most contain peat moss, bark and perlite.
—
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Cactus or succulent soil mix is typically composed mostly of inorganic ingredients like sand, perlite, pumice, or gravel, but can contain some of the same ingredients as regular potting mix.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Instead, buy perlite in large bags from a garden center.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2026
Link suggests a fresh, airy indoor mix, like potting soil with perlite or orchid bark.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perlite
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Cactus or succulent soil mix is typically composed mostly of inorganic ingredients like sand, perlite, pumice, or gravel, but can contain some of the same ingredients as regular potting mix.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Instead, buy perlite in large bags from a garden center.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2026
Link suggests a fresh, airy indoor mix, like potting soil with perlite or orchid bark.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perlite
Cite this Entry
“Perlite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perlite. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perlite
noun
per·lite
ˈpər-ˌlīt 
: a glassy mineral of volcanic origin that when expanded by heat forms a lightweight material capable of absorbing liquids (as water)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
