: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb
clove
2 of 3past tense of cleave
: 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
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Chai is a beverage that combines black tea leaves with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
Other than the big notes of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves (three of Cincinnati chili’s main hallmarks), the ice cream also features whole oyster crackers, which add a bit of crunch to the ultra-creamy dessert and give a nod to the popular chili topping.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
The clove and chestnut notes in By The Fireplace intensify the warmth and add a smoky dimension that pairs beautifully with the pepper and olibanum in Babycat.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clove
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Noun
The Peychaud’s Bitters, all cherry and anise as opposed to Angostura Bitters’ cinnamon and clove, combines with the herbal pop of absinthe and the spicy backbone of the rye to create something wholly new.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Chai is a beverage that combines black tea leaves with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
Other than the big notes of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves (three of Cincinnati chili’s main hallmarks), the ice cream also features whole oyster crackers, which add a bit of crunch to the ultra-creamy dessert and give a nod to the popular chili topping.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
The clove and chestnut notes in By The Fireplace intensify the warmth and add a smoky dimension that pairs beautifully with the pepper and olibanum in Babycat.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clove
Cite this Entry
“Clove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clove. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clove
1 of 3 noun
: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb
a clove of garlic
clove
2 of 3past 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
noun1
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
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