clover

noun

clo·​ver ˈklō-vər How to pronounce clover (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Trifolium) of low leguminous herbs having trifoliolate leaves and flowers in dense heads and including many that are valuable for forage and attractive to bees
2
: any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza, or Medicago) of the legume family
Phrases
in clover or less commonly in the clover
: in prosperity or in pleasant circumstances

Examples of clover 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.
Various herbs and organic materials—nutmeg, cinnamon, and clover leaf—bubbled and fumed inside the equipment, invading the air with sweet, tingling scents. Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 Throughout the summer, the prairie blooms with a variety of coneflowers and sunflowers, asters, and white and purple clovers, which swarm with bees and butterflies. Franz Burnier, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2024 These are rooted in cedarwood, clover, and cinnamon for a hint of sweet spice. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman. Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clover 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāfre; akin to Old High German klēo clover

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clover was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near clover

Cite this Entry

“Clover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clover. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

clover

noun
clo·​ver ˈklō-vər How to pronounce clover (audio)
: any of a genus of herbs of the legume family that have leaves with three leaflets and flowers in dense heads and that include many plants valuable for forage and as a source of nectar for bees
also : any of various related plants

More from Merriam-Webster on clover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!