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

Riverview has supplied its expanding dairy operation with cattle feed by growing wheat, alfalfa and corn. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Top with the roasted chickpeas and alfalfa sprouts. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

For instance, lentil and soybean sprouts have more protein than mung bean sprouts, while mung bean sprouts contain more fiber and sugar than alfalfa, lentil, or soybean sprouts. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Abatti Farms has thousands of acres of crops, including melons, broccoli, sugar beets and alfalfa, which Michael said in a 2017 legal filing were worth more than $10 million a year. —Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 25 Dec. 2025

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