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

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

The reasons behind clover’s unique effectiveness are likely manifold, Holscher said. —Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Aug. 2024

California native of the week: Sonoran false prairie clover or California Marina (Marina/Dalea orcuttii) is a rare native species. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 10 Aug. 2024

Coca agrees that clover mites are difficult to eliminate in one treatment. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2024

Readers will find a pop music playlist and a recipe for her grandmother’s clover dinner rolls. —Amanda Uhle, Washington Post, 9 July 2024

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

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