leaf mold

noun

1
: a compost or layer composed chiefly of decayed leaves
2
: a mold or mildew that affects foliage

Examples of leaf mold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Leaf Mold Before raking up your leaves in the fall, consider using them as leaf mold to boost soil health. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026 Common fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that infect tomato plants include late blight, leaf mold, bacterial spot, and anthracnose. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 Upon transplanting her seedlings, McDonald suggests generally starting off with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, like blood meal, when transplanting small seedlings into the soil, then adding a leaf mold compost, which is organic matter, to help improve the soil's health at that time. Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 9 June 2026 Next, blanket the area with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, leaf mold, compost, or pine straw. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaf mold was in 1724

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Cite this Entry

“Leaf mold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaf%20mold. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

leaf mold

noun
: a compost or layer composed chiefly of decayed leaves

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