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

Also consider a host of ever-charming and low-maintenance alternatives, such as clover or a tapestry lawn. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 28 Jan. 2026

Wildflower or clover honeys work well here. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

In a similar vein, Dior tapped Danish animator Nina Gantz to create a tall tale about how a pony — with legs made of safety pins — sought to visit the moon with the help of clover leaves, a house symbol. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026

But even though everyone is very lilacly-loving to it and constantly feeds it with sweet lucky clover, the little critter does not behave unicorn-like at all. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Jan. 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
• 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