shamrock

noun
sham·​rock | \ ˈsham-ˌräk How to pronounce shamrock (audio) \

Definition of shamrock

: a trifoliolate plant used as a floral emblem by the Irish: such as
a : a yellow-flowered Old World clover (Trifolium dubium) often regarded as the true shamrock

Examples of shamrock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Along the way it is marked by haphazardly painted shamrock-green arrows (that often look just like blobs of paint) on trees or rocks. Dina Mishev, Washington Post, "Hiking Spain’s luminous Lighthouse Way," 7 June 2019 Its symbol is the shamrock, though its members are also known to display swastika tattoos and other Nazi symbols. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, "Feds announce massive California bust of notorious Aryan Brotherhood prison gang," 6 June 2019 But Saint Patrick’s Day didn’t start out as 24 hours of raucous, shamrock-waving revelry. Jill Gleeson, Country Living, "Here's the Real History of St Patrick's Day," 15 Mar. 2019 So, too has shamrocks, the national plant of Ireland, which legend says St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity. Jill Gleeson, Country Living, "Here's the Real History of St Patrick's Day," 15 Mar. 2019 Oriental Trading Company is offering up to 30% off on light-up shamrock necklaces, green sequin bow ties, leprechaun costume photo props and more. USA TODAY, "Save green on St. Patrick’s Day — no luck required," 7 Mar. 2018 For years, however, the shamrocks struggled to flower. The Economist, "Run, TaskRabbit, run: July 2030," 5 July 2018 Unknown to the Queen, Hartnell included an extra four-leaf shamrock on the left side of the skirt, which was positioned perfectly so that Her Majesty’s hand would rest on it during the ceremony. Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, "The Hidden Good-Luck Charm Sewn Into the Queen's Coronation Gown – and 4 Other Secrets!," 2 June 2018 The sale includes decorative plates, wreaths, leprechaun figurines and shamrock towels. Leada Gore, AL.com, "St. Patrick's Day 2018: Best deals, discounts, freebies to celebrate all things Irish," 16 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shamrock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of shamrock

1577, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for shamrock

Irish seamróg, diminutive of seamar clover

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for shamrock

shamrock

noun

English Language Learners Definition of shamrock

: a small plant with three leaves on each stem that is the national symbol of Ireland

shamrock

noun
sham·​rock | \ ˈsham-ˌräk How to pronounce shamrock (audio) \

Kids Definition of shamrock

: a plant (as some clovers) that has leaves with three leaflets and is used as an emblem by the Irish

Keep scrolling for more