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

The site is mostly alfalfa farmland and a home, all owned by the Fulcher family. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 17 Mar. 2025

Consumers who may still have the affected alfalfa sprouts are urged to throw it away. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

Some families live in the canyon seasonally, growing corn, alfalfa, apples, peaches, apricots and more. —Derek M. Norman, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025

Matt Cooley, a second-generation farmer of walnuts, tomatoes, sunflowers, wheat and alfalfa, decided to grow a few pumpkins for Halloween and sell them by the side of the road. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 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

Rhymes for alfalfa

• alfa
• alpha

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