loam

noun

Definition of loamnext
as in topsoil
a type of soil that is good for growing plants

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of loam The soils, shaped by glacial activity, consist of sandy loam and glacial till, offering excellent drainage and contributing natural minerality. — Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2026 But the conflict between Joe and Ted goes back further and is rooted in a deep loam of backstory that emerges bit by bit. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025 The region's soils consist of limestone, clay, and iron-rich loams. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Many of us can’t wait to get into our gardens, turn over that fine Illinois loam and plant. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loam
  1. topsoil
  2. humus
  3. clay
  4. mud
  5. gravel
  6. sand
  7. earth
Noun
  • Its most intense years stretched from roughly 1934 to 1939, when prolonged heat, failed rains and relentless winds stripped topsoil from farms across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Never cut big roots or pile on topsoil—opt for groundcovers or call a pro if roots threaten structures.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Definition of topsoil
Noun
  • This includes decaying plant and animal residues, humus, and living microorganisms.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026
  • Composting in the garden is just a way of speeding up the natural process that creates soil all over the world, as organisms such as bacteria, fungi, insects and earthworms consume dead plants to make humus.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2026
Definition of humus
Noun
  • The importance of falling well has only grown as players have adapted movement patterns from clay and hard courts to grass.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 July 2026
  • That meant ditching some of the traditional tools used in vehicle design, like the clay models used by car designers since the 1930s.
    — Andrew Staples, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Definition of clay
Noun
  • Crews have been deployed to clear mud and debris and disinfect several towns in Hengzhou.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • Essential oils are added to the bath with the option for mud and seaweed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of mud
Noun
  • Construction began this spring, with workers placing gravel and lining drainage ditches with rock in portions of the roadway, Pavarini said.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
  • The development will take the place of an aging office building and a gravel parking lot popular among patrons of the open-air food court across the road.
    — Mark Dee July 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 July 2026
Definition of gravel
Noun
  • Throughout, seaside blues, forest greens, and neutral sand tones pleasingly reflect the colors just outside the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Then Rubye dug a hole in the cool sand and returned the arrowhead.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of sand
Noun
  • The trio wore shirts that featured the ears of Middle-earth creatures in various skin tones.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • The Paris photocall on July 7 marked a transition to deeper tones, with references to earth and fire.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of earth

Browse Nearby Words

loafs
loam
loams
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Cite this Entry

“Loam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loam. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on loam

Nglish: Translation of loam for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loam

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