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 Allow dandelion and clover plants, promoting bee pollination, to grow. Plant trees that produce nectar or pollen for bee pollination. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2024 He is also believed to have explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a shamrock, a native Irish clover. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 Over three years, UW-Madison doctoral student Daniel Hayden tested three different cover crops — winter wheat, clover and chicory — by planting them among the corn, a process called interseeding. Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024 But as Bornstein says, yards are places where things grow and change, even on turf lawns when clover and dandelions bloom and leaves fall and the worms wriggle out of the ground after a heavy rain. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024 The issue is to create a feedstock market for the grass (grains) and clover and alfalfa (legumes) that would grow on the off-year rotations. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2024 Getting rid of clover is not a matter of lawn safety, but a question of aesthetics. Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 25 June 2023 Mountain clover is a rich-in-protein food source that is attractive during the early season. Jace Bauserman, Field & Stream, 2 Aug. 2023 For first time in 47 years, every animal at this Pa. shelter was adopted On his big day, Hollins expects Jonathan to roam slowly (very slowly) to find fresh clover and then indulge in a late afternoon nap. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2024

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 1 May. 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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