marl

noun

ˈmär(-ə)l How to pronounce marl (audio)
Synonyms of marlnext
: a loose or crumbling earthy deposit (as of sand, silt, or clay) that contains a substantial amount of calcium carbonate
marly
ˈmär-lē How to pronounce marl (audio)
adjective

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.
While Vigna La Delizia enjoys south-east exposure and has soils rich in calcareous marl and clay, Vigna La Villa faces due east and features silt, sand, and clay soils. — Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Marl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marl. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

marl

noun
ˈmär(-ə)l How to pronounce marl (audio)
: a crumbling earthy deposit (as of sand or clay) that contains a lot of calcium carbonate

Geographical Definition

Marl

geographical name

ˈmärl How to pronounce Marl (audio)
city in the Ruhr district, western Germany population 85,000

More from Merriam-Webster on marl

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for marl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marl

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