mulch

noun

ˈməlch How to pronounce mulch (audio)
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
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.
Armed with shovels, mountains of mulch, and gardening tools, students from all grades are turning their campus into a climate change-fighting superpower. Molly McCrea, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 Spring is one of the best times of year for adding mulch to your garden. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026 Volunteers will place trees and shrubs in pre-dug holes, backfill and tamp down soil, and add water and mulch, according to a news release from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, leaving a small ring around the base of the plant free of mulch. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mulch

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mulch was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mulch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mulch. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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