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

By The Fireplace’s chestnut and clove notes complement the birch and incense in Vanilla Smoke, while the combined vanilla accords create a rich warmth that feels like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket next to a dying fire. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Mar. 2025

Black pepper, clove, and cinnamon aromas are common, making the nose of high-rye bourbons more aromatic and pungent than their low-rye counterparts. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Known as the Spice Island for its bumper crops such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, its cuisine (and growing culinary scene) has also quietly been drawing foodies for years. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025

New on the menu at Starbucks includes its Iced Cherry Chai, a black tea infused with cinnamon, clove and other spices, combined with milk and ice and topped with cherry cream cold foam and a cherry crunch topping. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for clove

• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove
• alcove
• mangrove

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