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.
In Washington, troops were routinely seen picking up trash, laying mulch in tourist areas and patrolling train platforms. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 If flower buds are forming too early, cover the plants with a layer of straw or leaf mulch to protect them from damage and uncover them when the weather warms up. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026 Use mulch, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences suggested as one of its landscaping tips. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 Saturate the cardboard before covering it with a layer of mulch, wood chips, pine straw, or soil. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on mulch

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