# compost

/ˈkɑmpoʊst/ (US) · /kˈɒmpɒst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/compost
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. natural fertilizer

noun · CEFR B2

a mixture of decayed organic material, like leaves and vegetable scraps, used to improve soil.

For teachers: a mass of decayed organic matter, such as garden waste and food scraps, used as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

- She added a layer of compost to her vegetable garden to help the tomatoes grow.
- The gardener regularly turned the heap to ensure the compost reached the high temperatures necessary for efficient decomposition.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the substance generally; countable when referring to a specific batch or type.

### 2. potting soil

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a special soil mixture you buy in bags to grow plants in pots.

For teachers: a prepared growth medium, often containing peat or bark, used for cultivating plants in containers.

- I need to buy a bag of potting compost for my new indoor plants.
- The nursery recommends a seed-sowing compost with a fine texture to ensure delicate roots can penetrate the medium easily.

Usage: Commonly used in British English where American English speakers would typically say 'potting soil'.

### 3. to decay organic waste

verb · CEFR B2

to collect old food and garden waste so it can break down into fertilizer.

For teachers: to convert organic waste into compost through a controlled biological decomposition process.

- Our family started to compost all our fruit peels instead of throwing them away.
- By choosing to compost their organic waste, the household significantly reduced the amount of rubbish sent to the local landfill.

Usage: Both transitive and intransitive uses are common.

## Examples

- I add compost to my garden every spring.
- The gardener turned the pile regularly to ensure the compost broke down evenly before the planting season began.
- By diverting kitchen scraps into a well-managed bin, households can produce nutrient-rich compost that reduces the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers in local landscaping.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.