clover

noun

clo·​ver ˈklō-vər 

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

Red Clover Red clover is a plant in the legume family. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Of four honey types studied, clover had the highest survival rate of probiotics. —Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Aug. 2024

And within the clover family, traditional red and white clover aren’t the only options. —Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 12 Sep. 2024

In the first study, the researchers examined whether adding one of four varieties of honey – alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, and orange blossom – to a commercial yogurt (Activia) containing B. animalis affected the survivability of probiotics in the yogurt during digestion. —New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2024

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

Phrases Containing clover

• alsike clover
• Alyce clover
• bush clover
• crimson clover
• Dutch clover
• Egyptian clover
• four-leaf clover
• ladino clover
• red clover
• sweet clover
• white clover

Kids Definition

clover

noun

clo·​ver ˈklō-vər 

: 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