trefoil

noun

tre·​foil ˈtrē-ˌfȯi(-ə)l  ˈtre- 

1

a

: clover sense 1

broadly : any of several leguminous herbs (such as bird's-foot trefoil) with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets

b

: a trifoliolate leaf

2

: an ornament or symbol in the form of a stylized trifoliolate leaf

Illustration of trefoil

• trefoil 2

Examples of trefoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The yellow and red trim pops perfectly from the dark blue background, and there’s a pleasing colour consistency with the Adidas trefoil, the Arsenal badge and the sponsor. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

This mini tote bag gives off vintage vibes with the Adidas trefoil logo on one side and three white stripes running down the other. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 25 July 2026

The trefoil — last seen on a World Cup shirt in 1990 — has recently appeared on special edition shirts and now, 25 World Cup competition kits. — CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2026

The marble trefoil detail on the threshold of the shower evokes French-Moroccan architecture. — Blue Carreon, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin trifolium, from tri- + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing trefoil

• bird's-foot trefoil
• tick trefoil

Rhymes for trefoil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• topsoil
• turmoil
• aerofoil

Kids Definition

trefoil

noun

tre·​foil ˈtrē-ˌfȯil  ˈtref-ˌȯil 

1

: any of several herbs (as a clover) of the legume family with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets

2

: an ornament or symbol shaped like a leaf with three parts