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

Health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain brands of alfalfa sprouts that have been linked to an unusual outbreak involving different disease-causing bacteria. — Jane Weaver, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026

The cases have been linked to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at retailers and grocery stores. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

The illnesses are being linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores, Minnesota officials said. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

About three-fourths of the water that’s taken out is used for agriculture, growing alfalfa for cattle as well as lettuce, broccoli and other crops. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 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