humus

noun

Definition of humusnext
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as in loam
a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of humus When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting. — Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 In addition to sphagnum peat moss, however, the lightweight potting mix contains humus and perlite, which help provide the necessary aeration and drainage for cacti and succulents. — Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot. — Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog. — Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
  1. loam
  2. topsoil
  3. clay
  4. mud
Noun
  • Those interactions spring from the rich loam of history and lore that gives the sport its halcyon glow, and from which even a humble amateur game absorbs vicarious grandeur.
    — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Carrots need a loose loam or sandy soil and plenty of moisture.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of loam
Noun
  • Their crops have fulfilled their purpose: anchoring the topsoil, retaining soil moisture and biome, and fixing nitrogen into the ground.
    — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Consider spreading a very thin (¼-inch thick) layer of topsoil across the planting area before sowing seed according to label instructions.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of topsoil
Noun
  • Choose a planting location that is full sun to partial shade with loam, sand, or clay soil.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Ancient mosaics even turn up in the basements of restaurants like Pancrazio in the old Pompey’s Theater, near where Julius Caesar was stabbed, while the walls of some bars in Testaccio have glass windows to reveal layers of broken clay amphorae discarded in antiquity.
    — Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of clay
Noun
  • There’s a bedroom on this floor and a small mud room off the main entrance connects to the garage.
    — Michael Kaminer, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Peruse hiking apps and blogs for recent reviews from hikers who might mention mud.
    — Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of mud

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“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on humus

Nglish: Translation of humus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humus

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