Definition

A wet and sticky mixture, often made of mud and dirt, that can be dirty or unpleasant.

Example

The children played in the muck after the rain, getting their clothes all dirty.

Conversation

Did you see the garden after the rain?

Yeah, it's a total mess! There's so much muck everywhere.

I know, it really needs some cleaning up soon.

Definitely! Otherwise, we won't be able to plant anything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something dirty or to cover it with waste material, often referring to soil or filth.

Example

The workers had to muck the stable before the horses could come in.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to muck the garden this weekend.

That sounds like a lot of work!

Yeah, but it will help the plants grow better after I muck it out.

Root Explanation

The word 'muck' originates from Old English 'mocca', meaning soft or wet earth, and is related to the Middle Dutch 'mok', meaning mud. It refers to a soft, wet, and often dirty substance, typically found in the ground.

Memory Tip

Think of 'soft earth' or 'mud' to remember that 'muck' refers to a dirty, wet substance.

Visually Confused Words