shamrock

noun

sham·​rock ˈsham-ˌräk 

: a trifoliolate plant used as a floral emblem by the Irish: such as

a

: a yellow-flowered Old World clover (Trifolium dubium) often regarded as the true shamrock

b

: wood sorrel

c

: white clover

Examples of shamrock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From there, the regiment was born and the St. Patrick's Day shamrock tradition has continued into the present in gratitude for their gallantry. —Janine Henni, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

While wearing gaudy lime green T-shirts, neon ties sprouting shamrocks with Gaelic sayings, or singing catchy, sentimental tunes, many people also enjoy an Americanized version of the Celtic culture for a day, whether Irish or not. —Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025

Subtle displays of shamrocks, artwork in muted green colors, simple phrases or quotes, and nods to Ireland and the roots of the day's tradition are all great places to start. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025

The more shamrocks that are found, the more entries participants get, organizers said. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Irish seamróg, diminutive of seamar clover

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shamrock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

shamrock

noun

sham·​rock ˈsham-ˌräk 

: a plant of folk legend with leaves composed of three leaflets that is associated with St. Patrick and Ireland

also : any of several plants (as a clover or a wood sorrel) or their leaves that resemble, are worn to represent, or are held to be the shamrock of legend

Etymology

from Irish seamróg, literally, "little clover"