alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə How to pronounce alfalfa (audio)
: a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant (Medicago sativa) of southwestern Asia that is widely grown for hay and forage

Examples of alfalfa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Redd's ranch, one field grows alfalfa under wheel line irrigation, while an adjacent field is planted with Kernza, a drought-tolerant grain that requires far less water. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 Ostrich feed appears similar, containing alfalfa, wheat, and soybeans. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025 Its original Green Superfood powder blends vegetables, fruits, and greens with digestive enzymes and probiotics like wheatgrass, barley, alfalfa, açaí, and spirulina to increase energy levels, promote detoxification, and boost the immune system. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025 Shades: 26 Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide (SPF), seaweed extract, sesame seed oil, alfalfa seed powder, sweet almond seed meal, eucalyptus leaf oil Size: 1 oz. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alfalfa

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, modification of Arabic dialect al-faṣfaṣa the alfalfa

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alfalfa was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alfalfa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfalfa. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

alfalfa

noun
al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə How to pronounce alfalfa (audio)
: a deep-rooted southwest Asian plant of the legume family with purple flowers and leaves like clover that is widely grown for hay and forage

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