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.
That includes strategies such as roof and gutter maintenance and keeping fire-prone greenery, shrubs and mulch away from the home. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Don’t forget to replace or add mulch to help slow moisture evaporation. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026 Move flammable materials such as mulch, plants, leaves and firewood piles away from wall exteriors. — Hali Smith august 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2026 This process, which takes about a month, transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil using bacteria, fungi, and mulch. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing mulch

Rhymes for mulch

See All Rhymes for mulch

Browse Nearby Words

mulberry whelk
mulch
mulcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mulch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mulch. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of mulch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mulch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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