: a loose or crumbling earthy deposit (as of sand, silt, or clay) that contains a substantial amount of calcium carbonate

Examples of marl in a Sentence

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.
The region’s soil mixture of marl, clayey limestone, marine sandstone, and rough clay draws out Glera’s creamy texture and fresh peach notes, the wine’s signature aromatic characteristic. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 There are plenty of colors to choose from to suit all tastes, from practical grey marl to playful pink or festive plaid. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French marle, from Medieval Latin margila, diminutive of Latin marga marl, from Gaulish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marl was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near marl

Cite this Entry

“Marl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marl. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a crumbling earthy deposit (as of sand or clay) that contains a lot of calcium carbonate

Geographical Definition

city in the Ruhr district, western Germany population 85,000

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