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. another name for cloverleaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of four-leaf clover¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

She plucked a four-leaf clover as a toddler and never looked back.

From Slate

The lucky ones, though, come across something that’s harder to find: a four-leaf clover.

From Seattle Times

One ad for jewelry company Warren Mansfield included no fewer than five objects featuring swastikas, sometimes pairing the symbol with a four-leaf clover or teddy bear.

From Slate

“There’s an old saying — and, Mr. President, this one is also Irish — that goes: A good friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have,” Yoon said.

From Washington Post

If that were not enough, the South Korean leader later wrapped up his toast with what he said was an old Irish saying: “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover — hard to find and lucky to have.”

From New York Times