shamrock

noun

sham·​rock ˈsham-ˌräk 

: a trifoliolate plant used as a floral emblem by the Irish: such as

a

: a yellow-flowered Old World clover (Trifolium dubium) often regarded as the true shamrock

b

: wood sorrel

c

: white clover

Examples of shamrock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aside from the beard talk, Middleton took the salute and presented medals and sprigs of shamrock to soldiers during her royal visit to the Wellington Barracks. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025

The Irish Wolf Hound regimental mascot was not left out either, as a shamrock was handed over to decorate the dog’s coat. —Simon Perry, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

These three signals work together like the leaves of a shamrock. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Our favorite way to use pistachio flour is in baked recipes, like these shamrock cookies. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Irish seamróg, diminutive of seamar clover

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shamrock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

shamrock

noun

sham·​rock ˈsham-ˌräk 

: a plant of folk legend with leaves composed of three leaflets that is associated with St. Patrick and Ireland

also : any of several plants (as a clover or a wood sorrel) or their leaves that resemble, are worn to represent, or are held to be the shamrock of legend

Etymology

from Irish seamróg, literally, "little clover"