Skip to main content

topsoilthe upper layer of soil that is richest in nutrients and organic matter

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the upper layer of soil that is richest in nutrients and organic matter

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːpˌsɔɪl/

Example Sentences

  • The farmer was devastated when heavy rain washed away years of carefully cultivated topsoil.
  • My grandmother's secret to amazing vegetables was never disturbing the precious topsoil in her garden.
  • The lazy gardener thought all soil was the same until he accidentally planted flowers in subsoil instead of topsoil - they grew about as well as his cooking skills.

topsoil

NOUN

[/ˈtɑːpˌsɔɪl/]

the upper layer of soil that is richest in nutrients and organic matter

The farmer scoops rich topsoil, dark and crumbly, ready for spring planting.
💡 Concept

The farmer scoops rich topsoil, dark and crumbly, ready for spring planting.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtɑːpˌsɔɪl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtɒpˌsɔɪl/

🌳Etymology

Roottop + soil

🎵Rhyme

oilboilcoilfoil
oil
boil
coil
foil

🔗Collocations

fertile topsoil
remove topsoil
topsoil erosion
preserve topsoil
rich topsoil
topsoil depth

📝Examples

The farmer was devastated when heavy rain washed away years of carefully cultivated topsoil.

My grandmother's secret to amazing vegetables was never disturbing the precious topsoil in her garden.

😄 Fun example

The lazy gardener thought all soil was the same until he accidentally planted flowers in subsoil instead of topsoil - they grew about as well as his cooking skills.

Environmental scientists warn that topsoil loss is one of the most serious threats to global food security.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

surface soilhumus layerA horizonproductive soil

Antonyms

subsoilbedrockhardpan

Related

erosionagriculturefertilitycompostcultivation

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.