topsoil
noun
top·soil
ˈtäp-ˌsȯi(-ə)l 
: surface soil usually including the organic layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing
Examples of topsoil in a Sentence
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Water deeply when topsoil dries.
—
Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
Indeed, topsoil — if successfully seeded with grass and left undisturbed — can generally limit exposure to backfill contaminants buried as far as six feet down, Schroeck and a Wayne State University engineer who works with soils said.
—Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 12 Jan. 2026
In the 19th century, guano miners razed the place, removing most of the topsoil and leaving behind barren rock.
—Susan Casey, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
When the dump was full, it was covered with topsoil and became open land, ready for recreation or building construction.
—James Salzman, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
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Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
Indeed, topsoil — if successfully seeded with grass and left undisturbed — can generally limit exposure to backfill contaminants buried as far as six feet down, Schroeck and a Wayne State University engineer who works with soils said.
—Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 12 Jan. 2026
In the 19th century, guano miners razed the place, removing most of the topsoil and leaving behind barren rock.
—Susan Casey, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
When the dump was full, it was covered with topsoil and became open land, ready for recreation or building construction.
—James Salzman, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for topsoil
Cite this Entry
“Topsoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topsoil. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
topsoil
noun
top·soil
-ˌsȯil
: surface soil usually including the rich upper layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing
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