mulch

noun

ˈməlch 

ˈməlsh

: a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean

mulch transitive verb

Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 26 Dec. 2024

Since azaleas are acid soil-loving plants, pine needles, aged pine bark, or leaf mold are ideal mulches. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024

But in this small island of habitat, groups of biologists and volunteers mow, mulch and hand-weed to keep the vegetation to the owls’ liking. —Mark Degraff, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024

The embers ignited everything in their path: trees, fences and the new plants and bark mulch Phil and Margaret had added just a few days before. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mulch

• stubble mulch

Kids Definition

mulch

1 of 2 noun

ˈməlch

: a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean

mulch

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with mulch