clove

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove

2 of 3

past tense of cleave

clove

3 of 3

noun

ˈklōv 

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum synonym Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Examples of clove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Water brings a more well-rounded finish, with more cooked fruit, honey, barley sugars, a touch of earthiness, clove, and oak. —Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Use repellents: Natural repellents like peppermint, cloves, and cayenne pepper can help deter rodents. Eliminate food and trash: Keep your car and surrounding area clean to avoid attracting rodents. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025

Cinnamon Sauce 1 tablespoon margarine or butter 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup water 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon OR ½ teaspoon cinnamon PLUS ¼ teaspoon EACH ground cloves and nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt Melt margarine or butter. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025

Join 1 other in the comments View Comments 2 stale baguettes, cut into small cubes 2 tablespoons of paprika Salt and pepper Water A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil Instructions Separate the garlic into cloves and dice finely. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 11 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

Noun

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clove

• clove hitch
• clove pink

Rhymes for clove

• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove
• alcove
• mangrove

Kids Definition

clove

1 of 3 noun

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb

a clove of garlic

clove

2 of 3

past of cleave

clove

3 of 3 noun

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree related to the myrtle that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Etymology

Noun

Old English clufu "clove, bulb"

Noun

Middle English clowe "clove bud," from early French clou, shortened form of the phrase clou de girofle, literally, "nail of clove," from Latin clavus "nail"

Medical Definition

clove

noun

ˈklōv 

1

a

: the pungent fragrant aromatic reddish brown dried flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields clove oil

b

: a spice consisting of whole or ground cloves

—usually used in plural

2

: the tree that is the source of cloves and is probably native to the Moluccas but is now widely cultivated in the tropics