clover: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; common in both everyday and literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “clover” mean?
A small, low-growing plant with three-lobed leaves (trifoliate), often with dense, round flower heads, typically found in grassy areas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, low-growing plant with three-lobed leaves (trifoliate), often with dense, round flower heads, typically found in grassy areas.
A symbol of luck, prosperity, or good fortune, especially when referring to a four-leaf clover; more broadly, any species within the genus Trifolium or related plants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor spelling variants in related compounds (e.g., cloverleaf interchange).
Connotations
Equally strong associations with luck, rural landscapes, and grazing. 'Clover' as a forage crop is slightly more prominent in UK agricultural discourse.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “clover” in a Sentence
[to be] in clovera [four-leaf/red/white] clovera patch of cloverVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clover” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The field was clovered over for the sheep.
American English
- We should clover that section to improve the soil.
adjective
British English
- They planted a clover ley.
American English
- We need a clover cover crop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in brand names or metaphors for luck ('a clover deal').
Academic
Used in botany, agriculture, and ecology studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing luck, nature, or gardens.
Technical
Specific in botany (Trifolium spp.) and agriculture (cover crop, forage).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clover”
- Using 'clover' as a countable noun for the individual leaf (it's the whole plant). Correct: 'a clover leaf' or 'a four-leaf clover'. Incorrect: 'a clover of four leaves'.
- Confusing 'clover' with 'clove' (a spice).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Shamrock is a common name for several three-leafed clovers, specifically Trifolium dubium or Trifolium repens, but it is deeply associated with Irish culture. Not all clovers are called shamrocks.
Rarely. It is an agricultural term meaning 'to sow with clover' (e.g., 'to clover a field'). It is not common in everyday speech.
The four-leaf variant is rare (estimated 1 in 5,000). Each leaf is traditionally said to represent hope, faith, love, and luck. Finding one is considered a fortunate accident.
They are different species. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has larger, purplish-pink flower heads and is taller. White clover (Trifolium repens) has smaller, white or pale pink flower heads and grows lower to the ground, often in lawns.
A small, low-growing plant with three-lobed leaves (trifoliate), often with dense, round flower heads, typically found in grassy areas.
Clover is usually neutral; common in both everyday and literary contexts. in register.
Clover: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be/live in clover (to live a carefree life of luxury)”
- “to be as happy as a pig in clover”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CLOVERing a field with lucky green leaves. 'CLOVER' contains 'LOVE' - something you find in a lucky four-leaf clover.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUCK IS A RARE OBJECT (a four-leaf clover); PROSPERITY/COMFORT IS BEING SURROUNDED BY CLOVER ('in clover').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'to be in clover' mean?