shamrock

noun

sham·​rock ˈsham-ˌräk 

: a trifoliolate plant used as a floral emblem by the Irish: such as

a

: a yellow-flowered Old World clover (Trifolium dubium) often regarded as the true shamrock

b

: wood sorrel

c

: white clover

Examples of shamrock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club; Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Today is Valentine's Day, traditionally celebrated with the sacred swapping of V-Day merch for shamrock and leprechaun decor at Target. —Holly J. Morris, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025

Shooting Shamrock Doughnut An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in light green icing with a green icing swirl, topped with a shamrock sugar piece. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024

If your child is a sound sleeper, stamp their hand with a shamrock stamp, shamrock stickers, or even a washable shamrock tattoo. —Amanda Rock, Parents, 30 July 2024

Some might even prefer to go on a lengthy search for a leprechaun and its pot of gold, or almost as difficult, go hunting for shamrocks and four-leaf clovers. —Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Irish seamróg, diminutive of seamar clover

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shamrock

noun

sham·​rock ˈsham-ˌräk 

: a plant of folk legend with leaves composed of three leaflets that is associated with St. Patrick and Ireland

also : any of several plants (as a clover or a wood sorrel) or their leaves that resemble, are worn to represent, or are held to be the shamrock of legend

Etymology

from Irish seamróg, literally, "little clover"