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 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 See all Example Sentences for clover 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 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

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