compost

American  

[kom-pohst] / ˈkɒm poʊst /

noun

1. a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil.

2. a composition; compound.

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verb (used with object)

1. to use in compost; make compost of.

   to compost manure and kitchen scraps.

2. to apply compost to (soil).

verb (used without object)

1. to make compost.

   Shredded leaves will compost easily.

compost British  

/ ˈkɒmpɒst /

noun

1. a mixture of organic residues such as decomposed vegetation, manure, etc, used as a fertilizer

2. a mixture, normally of plant remains, peat, charcoal, etc, in which plants are grown, esp in pots

3. rare a compound or mixture

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verb

1. to make (vegetable matter) into compost

2. to fertilize with compost

compost Scientific  

/ kŏm′pōst′ /

1. A mixture of decayed or decaying organic matter used to fertilize soil. Compost is usually made by gathering plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peels, into a pile or bin and letting it decompose as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

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Other Word Forms

• compostable adjective
• composter noun

Etymology

Origin of compost

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French < Latin compositum, noun use of neuter of compositus composite; compote

Example Sentences

An average-size adult yields about 200 pounds of compost from Meine Erde’s method, which uses less water, Metz said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

The stalks have been saved for compost – which Nina says she's considering turned into some kind of furniture.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Stewart opted out of the burial/cremation dichotomy, saying she wanted to become compost.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2025

SB 1383 requires that 75% of organic waste be diverted away from landfills by the end of the year and instead turned into compost.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2025

Inside was a tray filled with a wet gray sludge from the roof mixed with a compost of dead leaves and twigs.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

Related Words

• fertilizer