clover

noun

clo·ver ˈklō-vər

: 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

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

Phrases

in clover or less commonly in the clover

: in prosperity or in pleasant circumstances

Examples of clover in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Keep it classic with the bright-white or ivory finish, or add a pop of color to your boudoir with the muted clover or dusk hue options. —

Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2023 For those not up on the recent trend in sustainable lawncare, No Mow May is a movement to refrain from cutting grass during the month of May to let dandelions, clover and other early-season weeds bloom. —

Peter Krouse, cleveland, 28 May 2023 As a finishing touch garnish with a lime wedge and clovers. —

Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 1 Mar. 2023 While appearing at the 2023 SAG Awards red carpet, the actress, 37, made a statement in a custom clover green Prada mini. —

Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2023 At Pure Oasis’ new downtown store, on the ground floor of an office tower from 1905, the entryway’s wall looks like a hanging garden, completely covered with bright-green plastic leaves, clover, and long grass. —

Erick Trickey, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2023 Tasting notes include blackberry, vanilla and clover in the Sol blend or strawberry, hazelnut, honey and chocolate in the Warrior flavor. —

Alejandra Molina, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2023 This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss the undervalued potential of cover crops, moving beyond just clover — an unexpected ally in your garden, not a weed! —

Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 28 July 2023 Three common components of an eco-lawn are clover, grass and yarrow. —

oregonlive, 7 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of clover was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Clover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clover. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

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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