English Reference

Word

mulch

US/ˈməɫtʃ/

UK/mˈʌltʃ/

Definitions

01soil covering

B2 · Science

n. a material like bark, straw, or compost spread on the ground to protect plants and keep the soil moist.

n. a layer of material, typically organic, applied to the surface of an area of soil to suppress weeds and reduce evaporation.

“We spread a thick layer of wood mulch around the roses to keep the weeds away.”

“Applying organic mulch not only regulates soil temperature during the winter months but also gradually improves the soil structure as it decomposes.”

Synonyms

coveringbark chipscompost

02to apply covering

B2 · Science

v. to cover the ground around plants with a layer of material.

v. to apply a layer of mulch to an area of ground. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

“If you mulch your garden in the spring, you will not have to water the plants as often.”

“The landscaper recommended mulching the flower beds immediately after planting to ensure the young perennials remained hydrated during the heatwave.”

Synonyms

03to shred into pieces

C1 · Science

v. to chop or grind garden waste into small pieces to be used on the soil.

v. to reduce organic matter to a fine consistency suitable for use as a soil covering.

“The lawnmower has a special blade that mulches the grass as it cuts.”

“Modern agricultural machinery can mulch crop residues directly into the field, returning vital nutrients to the earth without the need for separate composting.”

Technical

Etymology

Probably from Middle English melsche, molsh (“soft”), from Old English melsċ, milisċ (“mellow; mild; sweet”, literally “honeyed”), probably from Proto-Germanic *mili (“honey”). Compare Icelandic milska (“a honeyed beverage”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

AgricultureHorticulture

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference