noun
mulch
muhlch
noun
1
A layer of material, such as bark, straw, or compost, spread over soil to protect it, keep in moisture, or block weeds.
"Spread a thick layer of mulch around the rose bushes."
"Wood-chip mulch helps the garden retain water in summer."
verb
1
To cover soil with mulch, or to turn material into mulch.
"We mulched the flower beds before winter."
"The lawnmower mulches the grass clippings as it cuts."
How to Use Mulch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA protective layer spread over garden soil, or the act of applying it.
Common pairings
spread mulch
mulch the garden
wood-chip mulch
Word Forms
mulched past tense, mulches plural, mulches singular
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Spread a thick layer of _____ around the rose bushes.
Etymology
Probably from an Old English word meaning "mellow" or "soft," related to a root meaning "honeyed."