compost

1 of 2

noun

com·​post ˈkäm-ˌpōst 

 especially British  -ˌpäst

1

: a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land

2

: mixture, compound

compost

2 of 2

verb

composted; composting; composts

transitive verb

: to convert (a material, such as plant debris) to compost

compostable

ˈkäm-ˌpō-stə-bəl 

adjective

composter

ˈkäm-ˌpō-stər 

noun

Examples of compost in a Sentence

Verb

We compost leaves in our backyard.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Dead cicadas are full of nitrogen, which fuel the microorganisms that break down organic matter, speeding up your compost process. —Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2024

Experts say dead cicadas are a fantastic compost and mulch, contributing nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024

Verb

Using yard waste for composting is a sustainable method of producing organic fertilizer. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2024

It is fully equipped with amenities that include a kitchen space, efficient storage solutions, and a composting toilet, which, despite initial hesitations, became an essential part of their van life. —David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin compostum, from Latin, neuter of compositus, compostus, past participle of componere

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1829, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing compost

• compost heap
• compost pile

Kids Definition

compost

noun

com·​post

ˈkäm-ˌpōst

: a mixture largely of decayed matter of once living things (as plant debris) used for fertilizing and conditioning land