alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə 

: a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant (Medicago sativa) of southwestern Asia that is widely grown for hay and forage

Examples of alfalfa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Ed Hale, who shut off water to most of his alfalfa fields, said the approach of leaving fields dry on a voluntary basis for a short period limits the economic harm. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024

The recent reduction in Saudi Arabia's ability to pump unlimited groundwater for alfalfa cultivation to feed livestock in the Middle East is a positive step forward. —Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024

Spike enjoyed his alfalfa snacks and attention from his keepers. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Sep. 2024

Horse manure containing alfalfa hay is an ideal medium for vermicomposting (vermis means worm in Latin), which yields worm castings (a euphemism for worm poop), the best soil amendment under the sun. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 30 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, modification of Arabic dialect al-faṣfaṣa the alfalfa

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alfalfa

• alfalfa weevil
• Egyptian alfalfa weevil
• spotted alfalfa aphid

Kids Definition

alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə 

: a deep-rooted southwest Asian plant of the legume family with purple flowers and leaves like clover that is widely grown for hay and forage