four-leaf clover

[ fawr-leef, fohr- ]

noun

1. a clover leaf having four leaflets instead of the usual three, purported to bring good luck.

four-leaf clover

noun

1. a clover with four leaves rather than three, supposed to bring good luck
2. See cloverleaf
   another name for cloverleaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of four-leaf clover¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

In the cake put a gold penny, a silver four-leaf clover, and a little image or amulet to drive away bad luck.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a four-leaf clover, somehow mysteriously imbedded in the centre.

From Project Gutenberg

If Mother's eagle eye spotted a four-leaf clover, we stopped and picked it.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, between the terrace ledge and the forest lies a square of velvet green, abounding in four-leaf clover.

From Project Gutenberg

He was rather astonished to see Courtlandt kneeling in the clover-patch, hunting for a four-leaf clover.

From Project Gutenberg