cover crop

noun

: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

Examples of cover crop 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.
Other fields are planted with winter cover crops to protect and rebuild the soil. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 Reduced tillage or no-till was used by 91 percent of participating growers; 56 percent planted cover crops. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Every bulb planted, every cover crop sown, every leaf left for a solitary bee to shelter under, and every tree and shrub watered deeply is an investment in next year’s garden. — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 Planting fall cover crops improves soil by reducing compaction, preventing erosion, and suppressing weeds. — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover crop

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover crop was in 1899

Rhymes for cover crop

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Browse Nearby Words

coverchief
cover crop
Coverdale
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Cite this Entry

“Cover crop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover%20crop. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

cover crop

noun
: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

More from Merriam-Webster on cover crop

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cover crop

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