trefoil

noun

tre·​foil ˈtrē-ˌfȯi(-ə)l  ˈtre- 

1

a

: clover sense 1

broadly : any of several leguminous herbs (such as bird's-foot trefoil) with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets

b

: a trifoliolate leaf

2

: an ornament or symbol in the form of a stylized trifoliolate leaf

Illustration of trefoil

• trefoil 2

Examples of trefoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, there’s are dress clips with a trefoil design set with pavé diamonds, circa 1945, by Suzanne Belperron with an estimate of $40,000 - $60,000. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Over at Phillips New York Jewels auction (December 13), there is a pair of trefoil style Suzanne Belperron dress clips, set with pavé diamonds, made circa 1945 ($40,000 - $50,000). —Carol Besler, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

The British royal wore a petite diamond ribbon brooch, which features a ribbon design in a trefoil shape. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 July 2024

How long does a rope have to be in order to form a trefoil knot? —Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin trifolium, from tri- + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing trefoil

• bird's-foot trefoil
• tick trefoil

Kids Definition

trefoil

noun

tre·​foil ˈtrē-ˌfȯil  ˈtref-ˌȯil 

1

: any of several herbs (as a clover) of the legume family with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets

2

: an ornament or symbol shaped like a leaf with three parts