Definition of clover
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
in clover
or less commonlyin the clover
: in prosperity or in pleasant circumstances
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Recent Examples of clover from the Web
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The name is from the owners’ dual Irish and Lebanese heritages (clover shamrocks and spearmint).
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For the second plot, the researchers rotated over three years between corn, soy and oats, with red clover planted in winter.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clover'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of clover
Middle English, from Old English clāfre; akin to Old High German klēo clover
First Known Use: before 12th century
CLOVER Defined for English Language Learners
clover
playDefinition of clover for English Language Learners
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: a small plant that has usually three leaves on each stem and that usually has round flowers that are white, red, or purple
CLOVER Defined for Kids
clover
playDefinition of clover for Students
: a small plant that has leaves with three leaflets and usually roundish red, white, yellow, or purple flower heads and is sometimes grown for hay or pasture
Learn More about clover
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See words that rhyme with clover Spanish Central: Translation of clover Nglish: Translation of clover for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clover
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