cloverleaf

[ kloh-ver-leef ]

noun

, plural clo·ver·leafs, clo·ver·leaves.

1. a road arrangement, resembling a four-leaf clover in form, for permitting easy traffic movement between two intersecting high-speed highways. One highway passes over the other, and both are joined by a system of curved feeder roads permitting vehicles to enter and leave the highways.

adjective

1. shaped like or resembling a leaf or leaves of clover.

cloverleaf

/ ˈkləʊvəˌliːf /

noun

1. an arrangement of connecting roads, resembling a four-leaf clover in form, that joins two intersecting main roads
2. modifier in the shape or pattern of a leaf of clover

Other Words From

• clover·leafed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloverleaf¹

First recorded in 1930–35; clover + leaf

Example Sentences

Regularly, I found myself inching around the cloverleaf next to a handsome man in a blue BMW.

From Los Angeles Times

The more extensive plans now reportedly include making way for two new highways, two large roundabouts, a giant cloverleaf and the widening of other roads.

From Seattle Times

The sanctuary area was something of a maritime highway cloverleaf.

From Seattle Times

And then, as we approached a cloverleaf on-ramp to the highway, the car started to accelerate.

From New York Times

Next, Mr. Irwin wanted help producing the acrylic disks for which he would become known: evanescent convex shapes, mounted so they seemed to hover and lit from four sides to create a cloverleaf pattern.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bridge
• crossroad
• intersection
• junction
• overpass
• passage