topsoil

noun

top·​soil ˈtäp-ˌsȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce topsoil (audio)
: 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
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Last month, archaeologists were able to start excavating and securing the site, which is located on a low beach embankment and protected only by a thin layer of topsoil. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2025 Green harvesting spares the air, preserves topsoil, and provides leafy residue to turn into byproducts and mulch, thereby creating new sources of revenue and jobs. Colin Walkes, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025 Carbon Robotics says its approach to weeding increases yields, quality and consistency, and helps preserve topsoil. Elizabeth MacBride, CNBC, 10 June 2025 Like an excavator pushing aside topsoil for the vein of minerals underneath, these cuts are violent and indiscriminate, devastating individual livelihoods and scarring communities. Sarah Blomeley, Time, 25 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Topsoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topsoil. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

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