Definition

Noun: * A low-growing, perennial plant (Trifolium repens) native to Europe but widely naturalized elsewhere. It is characterized by creeping stems that root at the nodes, leaves typically composed of three leaflets, and rounded flower heads that are white to pale pink. It is commonly used for forage, as a ground cover, and is an important source of nectar for bees.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pasture was covered in a dense mat of white clover.
  • Bees were buzzing busily around the white clover in the lawn.
  • Farmers often seed white clover with grasses to improve pasture quality.

Advanced Usage

• "to be/live in clover": To live a life of luxury and comfort. (This idiom uses "clover" generally, not exclusively white clover, but originates from the idea of livestock grazing on rich clover pastures).
  • After his investment succeeded, he was in clover.

Variants and Related Words

• Dutch clover: Another common name for white clover.
• Shamrock: A term for a young sprig of clover, traditionally a three-leafed one, used as a symbol of Ireland. White clover is one of the plants often designated as shamrock.
• Trifolium: The botanical genus name for clovers.
• Forage crop: A category of plants grown for livestock feed, which includes white clover.

Synonyms

• Dutch clover
• Trifolium repens (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• Four-leaf clover: A rare variation of a clover leaf having four leaflets instead of the usual three, considered a symbol of good luck. White clover is one of the species that can produce these.

Noun

1. creeping European clover having white to pink flowers and bright green leaves; naturalized in United States; widely grown for forage