shamrock

noun sham·rock \ ˈsham-ˌräk \

Updated on: 29 Apr 2018

Definition of shamrock

: 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

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Recent Examples of shamrock from the Web

With a new, budget-friendly airline flying nonstop Philly to Dublin and a spring events calendar packed with the spirit of the shamrock, Philly’s gearing up for an Irish encore.

— grace dickinson, Philly.com, "5 Irish events in Philly to keep that St. Pat's spirit going," 4 Apr. 2018
Easter plants range in price from $4 to $15 and include lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, hydrangeas, shamrocks, geraniums, tulips, primroses and pansies.

— carol kovach, cleveland.com, "Lakewood Historical Society to get a new home: A Place in the Sun," 20 Mar. 2018
Trump was welcoming Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to the White House, and both leaders have shamrocks in their pockets for the visit.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Here’s Why Trump Had a Bunch of Leafy Greens in His Pocket," 15 Mar. 2018
Though, the Army and parade committee’s push for change is just a request to spectators, so who’s to say if folks with a few shamrock shakes in them will comply.

— emilie ikeda, Fox News, "Savannah says 'no more' to smooching soldiers in St. Patrick's Day Parade," 17 Mar. 2018
Bruegger's says shamrock green bagels are prepared and taste like a normal bagel.

— joey morona, cleveland.com, "Bruegger's joins 'let's turn everything green for St. Patrick's Day' craze with green bagels," 16 Mar. 2018
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar presented Trump with a traditional gift of a bowl of shamrocks.

— Washington Post, "Tumult engulfing his White House, Trump jokes ‘who’s next?’," 16 Mar. 2018
From the abundance of shamrocks and green derbies to Irish dancers and pipers in traditional regalia, the hallmarks of St. Patrick’s Day were on display at the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday as far down Western Avenue as the eye could see.

— zak koeske, Daily Southtown, "South Side Irish Parade focuses on family, community," 12 Mar. 2018
Crowds adorned with shamrocks, red beards and leprechaun attire will drop in on participating bars, including Fifth Avenue, Red Fox, O’Toole’s and the Rock on 3rd, for $3, $4 and $5 specials on beer, cocktails and shots.

— greg crawford, Detroit Free Press, "Plan your weekend: St. Patrick's Parade, Royal Oak pub crawl, Monster Jam at Ford Field," 7 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shamrock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of shamrock

Irish seamróg, diminutive of seamar clover

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First Known Use: 1577

in the meaning defined above

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SHAMROCK Defined for English Language Learners

shamrock

noun

Definition of shamrock for English Language Learners

: a small plant with three leaves on each stem that is the national symbol of Ireland

SHAMROCK Defined for Kids

shamrock

noun sham·rock \ ˈsham-ˌräk \

Definition of shamrock for Students

: a plant (as some clovers) that has leaves with three leaflets and is used as an emblem by the Irish

Learn More about shamrock

See words that rhyme with shamrock Spanish Central: Translation of shamrock Nglish: Translation of shamrock for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shamrock

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shamrock

Definition of shamrock

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Origin and Etymology of shamrock

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shamrock

Definition of shamrock for English Language Learners

SHAMROCK Defined for Kids

shamrock

Definition of shamrock for Students

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