topsoil

noun

top·​soil ˈtäp-ˌsȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce topsoil (audio)
Synonyms of topsoilnext
: 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

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Never cut big roots or pile on topsoil—opt for groundcovers or call a pro if roots threaten structures. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026 In neighborhoods with new construction, the topsoil is stripped away, and the rubble left behind hardly qualifies as soil. Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026 Water runs off quickly, carrying seeds and topsoil with it. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026 Possible ingredients range from sand and bark to some mix of topsoil and compost. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for topsoil

Word History

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topsoil was in 1733

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topsoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topsoil. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

topsoil

noun
top·​soil -ˌsȯil How to pronounce topsoil (audio)
: surface soil usually including the rich upper layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

More from Merriam-Webster on topsoil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster