# clover

/ˈkɫoʊvɝ/ (US) · /klˈəʊvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clover
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the plant

noun · CEFR B2

a small plant with three round leaves on one stem. It usually has small white or pink flowers and is often eaten by cows and sheep.

For teachers: any plant of the genus Trifolium, typically having leaves divided into three leaflets and small, fragrant flower heads.

- The field was covered in green clover and tiny white flowers.
- Farmers often plant clover in their pastures because it is a nutritious food source for livestock and helps improve the soil quality.

### 2. a symbol of luck

noun · CEFR B2

a rare version of this plant with four leaves, which people believe brings good luck.

For teachers: a rare four-leafed variation of the Trifolium plant, culturally regarded as a symbol of good fortune.

- She spent the whole afternoon looking for a four-leaf clover in the grass.
- Finding a four-leaf clover is a traditional omen of good luck, though the genetic mutation responsible for the extra leaflet is relatively uncommon.

### 3. in luxury or comfort

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · British English

you use this in the phrase 'in clover' to mean living a very comfortable life with plenty of money.

For teachers: used idiomatically in the phrase 'in clover' to describe a state of prosperity, luxury, or ease.

- After winning the lottery, they were living in clover for the rest of their lives.
- With the inheritance secured and his debts paid off, he expected to live in clover in his seaside villa.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the prepositional phrase 'in clover'.

## Examples

- The field was covered in green clover.
- The children spent the entire afternoon sitting in the grass, searching for a four-leaf clover to keep for good luck.
- Farmers often plant clover as a cover crop because it naturally restores nitrogen to the soil, improving the health of the land for future harvests.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.