clove

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove

2 of 3

past tense of cleave

clove

3 of 3

noun

ˈklōv 

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum synonym Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Examples of clove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

It’s traditionally cooked with goat meat that is marinated with adobo sauce, which as guajillo and ancho chiles, garlic cloves, onions and various Mexican spices. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2024

Wander among the cinnamon, coffee, pepper, banana, clove, and avocado trees; try an ayurvedic spa treatment; and relax in the infinity pool. —Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2024

Spices: Add whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, or fresh ginger for a spicy kick. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 12 May 2024

Dijon mustard 1 small shallot, chopped 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped 1 tsp. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 11 May 2024

Add 4 garlic cloves to comal; cook until lightly browned on all sides. —Gabriela Camara, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2024

The long-lasting finish is marked with notes of clove and nutmeg. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2024

Massaman curry is a Thai-style curry that’s sweet and made from cardamon, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 13 Apr. 2024

Grate in the zest of 2 large unwaxed lemons and add 1 clove of garlic, peeled and bashed but kept whole, 100ml olive oil and 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

Noun

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clove

• clove hitch
• clove pink

Kids Definition

clove

1 of 3 noun

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb

a clove of garlic

clove

2 of 3

past of cleave

clove

3 of 3 noun

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree related to the myrtle that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Etymology

Noun

Old English clufu "clove, bulb"

Noun

Middle English clowe "clove bud," from early French clou, shortened form of the phrase clou de girofle, literally, "nail of clove," from Latin clavus "nail"

Medical Definition

clove

noun

ˈklōv 

1

a

: the pungent fragrant aromatic reddish brown dried flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields clove oil

b

: a spice consisting of whole or ground cloves

—usually used in plural

2

: the tree that is the source of cloves and is probably native to the Moluccas but is now widely cultivated in the tropics