noun
Uncommon
compost
KOM-post
Compost (noun) means Decayed organic matter, such as food scraps and garden waste, used to enrich soil. Example: “We add kitchen scraps to the compost every week.”
noun
1
Decayed organic matter, such as food scraps and garden waste, used to enrich soil.
"We add kitchen scraps to the compost every week."
verb
1
To turn organic waste into fertilizer by letting it decompose.
"They compost all their vegetable peelings instead of throwing them away."
How to use compost
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRotted plant and food waste used to feed soil, or the act of making it.
Common pairings
compost heap
compost bin
garden compost
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like compost.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- composts
- Third person singular
- composts
- Past tense
- composted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We add kitchen scraps to the _____ every week.
Etymology
From Old Northern French compost, "a mixture of leaves, manure, and the like for fertilizing land," ultimately from Latin compositus, "put together." A doublet of "compote" and "composite."
Frequently asked questions
What does “compost” mean?
The word “compost” means decayed organic matter, such as food scraps and garden waste, used to enrich soil. In plain terms, rotted plant and food waste used to feed soil, or the act of making it.
How do you pronounce “compost”?
“Compost” is pronounced KOM-post (/ˈkɑm.poʊst/ in IPA).
How do you use “compost” in a sentence?
Here is “compost” used in a sentence: “We add kitchen scraps to the compost every week.”
What part of speech is “compost”?
Depending on how it is used, “compost” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “compost” come from?
The word “compost” comes from Latin. From Old Northern French compost, "a mixture of leaves, manure, and the like for fertilizing land," ultimately from Latin compositus, "put together." A doublet of "compote" and "composite.".
Is “compost” a common word?
“Compost” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “compost” have?
“Compost” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: decayed organic matter, such as food scraps and garden waste, used to enrich soil.
