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

Fall, late winter, or early spring White clover is a low-growing perennial commonly used as a living mulch beneath fruits and vegetables. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

Letting clovers, dandelions and other low-growing plants flourish can provide nectar and pollen, while also reducing water use. —CBS News, 7 May 2026

Purple prairie clover's thimble-shape flowers are not aromatic but provide critical pollen for a variety of insects. —Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026

Planting a clover lawn is as easy as sprinkling topsoil over an even distribution of seeds, followed by watering. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 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