compost

1 of 2

noun

com·​post ˈkäm-ˌpōst How to pronounce compost (audio)
especially British -ˌpäst
Synonyms of compostnext
1
: a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land
2
: mixture, compound

compost

2 of 2

verb

composted; composting; composts

transitive verb

: to convert (a material, such as plant debris) to compost
compostable
ˈkäm-ˌpō-stə-bəl How to pronounce compost (audio)
adjective
composter
ˈkäm-ˌpō-stər How to pronounce compost (audio)
noun

Examples of compost in a Sentence

Verb We compost leaves in our backyard.
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.
Noun
Another way to use compost is to brew compost in water and strain out the solids to make compost tea. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026 Here are details on the best sliced sourdough to buy at the local market — and the questionable slices that are likely to be slipped into the compost bin. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Verb
The state’s composting law has proved challenging on several fronts. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 If my takeout was truly terrible, I'm allowed to toss it or, better yet, compost it. — Emily Siner, NPR, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for compost

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin compostum, from Latin, neuter of compositus, compostus, past participle of componere

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compost was in 1587

Phrases Containing compost

Browse Nearby Words

compossible
compost
compostable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compost. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

compost

noun
com·​post
ˈkäm-ˌpōst
: a mixture largely of decayed matter of once living things (as plant debris) used for fertilizing and conditioning land

More from Merriam-Webster on compost

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compost

Nglish: Translation of compost for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compost

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