Shamrock

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈʃæm.ɹɒk/
• US IPA: /ˈʃæm.ɹɑk/

Origin

From Irish seamróg, diminutive of seamair ("clover"), from Old Irish semróc.

Full definition of shamrock

Noun

1. The trefoil leaf of any small clover, especially Trifolium repens, or such a leaf from a clover-like plant.She wore a shamrock in honor of her Irish ancestry.
2. Any of several small plants, forms of clover, with trefoil leaves, especially Trifolium repens.The fields were covered with shamrocks.

Usage notes

The shamrock is used as a symbol of Ireland, and is registered as a trademark by the Irish government.

Synonyms

• (trefoil leaf) trefoil
• (any of several small plants) clover, trefoil