clover

noun

clo·​ver ˈklō-vər 

1

: any of a genus (Trifolium) of low leguminous herbs having trifoliolate leaves and flowers in dense heads and including many that are valuable for forage and attractive to bees

2

: any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza, or Medicago) of the legume family

see also:

in clover

Examples of clover in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea is that the flowering plants—dandelions, forget-me-nots, and clover—start to bloom during May, and in doing so attract and feed pollinators. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

There are few things more on trend than grass-alternative lawns right now; between wanting something lower maintenance and lower cost, different options like clover, chamomile, and creeping thyme are looking much more appealing to the average homeowner. —Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026

Like cowpeas, clovers fix nitrogen in the soil, making the nutrient available to peppers and other crops. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026

Also blooming now: goldfields, purple grape soda lupine and owl’s clover. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāfre; akin to Old High German klēo clover

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clover

• alsike clover
• Alyce clover
• bush clover
• crimson clover
• Dutch clover
• Egyptian clover
• four-leaf clover
• in clover
• in the clover
• ladino clover
• red clover
• sweet clover
• white clover

Rhymes for clover

• drover
• over
• prover
• rover
• stover
• trover
• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover

Kids Definition

clover

noun

clo·​ver ˈklō-vər 

: any of a genus of herbs of the legume family that have leaves with three leaflets and flowers in dense heads and that include many plants valuable for forage and as a source of nectar for bees

also : any of various related plants