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

These voracious eaters are particularly fond of soybeans and other legumes, alfalfa, broccoli, corn, and apples. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

The lake has been shrinking for decades as farmers divert melting snow and rain onto fields to grow crops, including alfalfa for cattle. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026

Other farmers, Hoekema said, are already considering moving on from water-intensive cash crops like potatoes, sugar beets and soybeans in favor of alfalfa or wheat. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026

Abatti, 63, owns a large farming operation in the Imperial Valley, growing crops including sugar beets, alfalfa and melons. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 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