clove: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Everyday, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “clove” mean?
A small, aromatic flower bud from a tropical evergreen tree, used as a spice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, aromatic flower bud from a tropical evergreen tree, used as a spice.
1) Any of the small bulbs that make up a compound bulb, as in garlic. 2) A past tense of the verb 'cleave' (to split).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the spice or garlic senses. The verb form 'clove' is equally archaic in both.
Connotations
Primarily culinary, evoking warmth, spice, and Christmas baking.
Frequency
Fairly common due to culinary use; the verb form is rare.
Grammar
How to Use “clove” in a Sentence
N of N (a clove of garlic)V N with N (stud the ham with cloves)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clove” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The axe clove the log cleanly in two.
- He clove to the old traditions throughout his life.
American English
- The sword clove the helmet in half.
- She clove to her principles despite the pressure.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard; 'clove-scented' is a compound adjective.]
American English
- [Not standard; 'clove-flavored' is a compound adjective.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the spice trade or food manufacturing.
Academic
In botanical or historical texts.
Everyday
Recipes and cooking.
Technical
Botany (Syzygium aromaticum), perfumery, dentistry (clove oil as analgesic).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clove”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clove”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clove”
- Using 'cloves' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a cloves').
- Confusing the spice with 'clover'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'garlic' is the whole bulb. A 'clove' is one single segment of that bulb.
Yes, but it's archaic/literary. It's the past tense of 'cleave', meaning to split apart or to adhere strongly ('cleave to').
It comes from Old French 'clou', meaning 'nail' (the spice bud resembles a small nail).
Yes, when referring to the spice bud or garlic segment (e.g., 'three cloves').
A small, aromatic flower bud from a tropical evergreen tree, used as a spice.
Clove is usually everyday, culinary in register.
Clove: in British English it is pronounced /kləʊv/, and in American English it is pronounced /kloʊv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'clove']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CLOVE of garlic looks like a small boat (CLOVE rhymes with 'grove' where spice trees grow).
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVISION/CONNECTION (as in a clove of garlic is a divided part of a whole; the verb means to split).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'clove'?