clove

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove

2 of 3

past tense of cleave

clove

3 of 3

noun

ˈklōv 

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum synonym Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Examples of clove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. —Molly Bolton, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024

Many Chinese five-spice blends comprise ground star anise seed, cinnamon or its close relative cassia, cloves, Sichuan pepper, and ground fennel seeds. —Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024

His new project follows a Indonesian family struggling to keep their clove farm afloat as a nickel mining boom in their remote area threatens to destroy their village’s old way of life. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

Spicy flavors of cinnamon and clove mix perfectly with deep notes of dark chocolate and cherries. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

Noun

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clove

• clove hitch
• clove pink

Kids Definition

clove

1 of 3 noun

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb

a clove of garlic

clove

2 of 3

past of cleave

clove

3 of 3 noun

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree related to the myrtle that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Etymology

Noun

Old English clufu "clove, bulb"

Noun

Middle English clowe "clove bud," from early French clou, shortened form of the phrase clou de girofle, literally, "nail of clove," from Latin clavus "nail"

Medical Definition

clove

noun

ˈklōv 

1

a

: the pungent fragrant aromatic reddish brown dried flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields clove oil

b

: a spice consisting of whole or ground cloves

—usually used in plural

2

: the tree that is the source of cloves and is probably native to the Moluccas but is now widely cultivated in the tropics