shamrock

American  

[sham-rok] / ˈʃæm rɒk /

noun

1. any of several trifoliate plants, as the wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella, or a small, pink-flowered clover, Trifolium repens minus, but especially Trifolium procumbens, a small, yellow-flowered clover: a symbol of Ireland.

---

shamrock British  

/ ˈʃæmˌrɒk /

noun

1. a plant having leaves divided into three leaflets, variously identified as the wood sorrel, red clover, white clover, and black medick: the national emblem of Ireland

---

Etymology

Origin of shamrock

1565–75; < Irish seamróg, equivalent to seamair clover + -óg diminutive suffix

Compare meaning

How does shamrock compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• shamrock vs. clover

Example Sentences

But such information would only have puzzled Trump and complicated the shamrock bonhomie, and Vance — a Roman Catholic convert, after all — beamed in silence from the sofa.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2025

The gift of the traditional shamrock bowl was given a warm reception by the president, while the vice-president's attempts at celebrating the heritage of the Emerald Isle was less so.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

He announced his intention to play for Notre Dame on social media, writing “A dream come true. Go Irish,” with a shamrock image at the end.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2023

The TK kids went to another table with instructional aide Eleanor Dorton to make shamrock crafts with pipe cleaners and beads.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2023

Though Ron purchased a dancing shamrock hat and a large green rosette, he also bought a small figure of Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Seeker.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling