alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə 

: a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant (Medicago sativa) of southwestern Asia that is widely grown for hay and forage

Examples of alfalfa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated 2026 outbreaks connected to frozen blueberries, jalapeños, iceberg lettuce and both broccoli and alfalfa sprouts, along with other foods. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

In 2026 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked into outbreaks tied to iceberg lettuce, broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, jalapeños and frozen blueberries, among others. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

The cattle conglomerates came first, and with them came alfalfa. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

In the middle of fields of alfalfa and almond trees, a seemingly endless procession of ambulances, police cars and firetrucks drove in and out of the crash scene, as rescue helicopters flew low overhead. — José Bautista Carlos Barragán José Bautista James McManagan, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, modification of Arabic dialect al-faṣfaṣa the alfalfa

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alfalfa

• alfalfa weevil
• Egyptian alfalfa weevil
• spotted alfalfa aphid

Rhymes for alfalfa

• alfa
• alpha

Kids Definition

alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə 

: a deep-rooted southwest Asian plant of the legume family with purple flowers and leaves like clover that is widely grown for hay and forage