clove

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove

2 of 3

past tense of cleave

clove

3 of 3

noun

ˈklōv 

: 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

Noun

Peter Dukes, the product manager who developed the drink, wanted to bottle the flavor of pumpkin pie — not the squash itself, but the nostalgic blend of cinnamon, ginger and cloves. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

Full Proof features notes of vanilla, fresh tobacco, leather, and subtle clove on the nose, rich in honey sweetness on the palate, with touches of raisins, black pepper and a smoky oak finish that quickly transforms into toffee and dark chocolate. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025

Delicious notes of clove and nutmeg and crunchy pecans bring this spice cake together. —Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

Full-bodied varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel work great here, gently heated with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise along with a touch of brandy or Cointreau and a bit of honey, agave, or maple syrup. —Essence, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

Noun

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clove

• clove hitch
• clove pink

Rhymes for clove

• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove
• alcove
• mangrove

Kids Definition

clove

1 of 3 noun

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb

a clove of garlic

clove

2 of 3

past 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

noun

ˈklōv 

1

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