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

Existing law wouldn't allow Water Asset Management, a firm that owns nearly 13,000 acres of alfalfa fields north of Wenden, to act as an intermediary for the transfers. —Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Mauch grew corn in the field last year and plans to rotate crops this year, deciding soon whether to plant wheat or alfalfa. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026

Saudi Arabia has banned the domestic farming of alfalfa and other forage crops because the country’s groundwater has been depleted. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Another grant recipient, Chelsi Gearty, was an alfalfa farmer near Wilson County when a piece of equipment fell on her, paralyzing her from the waist down. —Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Jan. 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