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

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the ground is cleared and loosened, work in a layer of topsoil, compost, or fertilizer before laying down seed. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026

Stewart explains that the scientists carted off the island’s entire topsoil layer. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

The topsoil may be dry, but below the surface, the soil may be moist. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

Once in the proper gear, Adams recommends removing the top two inches of topsoil from gardens, where the highest concentration of contaminants will settle after a fire. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for topsoil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• trefoil
• turmoil
• aerofoil

Kids 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