A trefoil (from Latin trifolium 'three-leaved plant') is a graphic form composed of the outline of three overlapping rings, used in architecture, Pagan and Christian symbolism, among other areas.

The meaning of TREFOIL is clover; broadly : any of several leguminous herbs (such as bird's-foot trefoil) with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets.

TREFOIL definition: any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Trifolium, of the legume family, having usually digitate leaves of three leaflets and reddish, purple, yellow, or white flower heads, …

Sep 6, 2025 · Noun trefoil (plural trefoils) Any of several plants of the pea family, having compound, trifoliate leaves; especially one of the genus Trifolium. A symbol having the shape of such leaves, …

Define trefoil. trefoil synonyms, trefoil pronunciation, trefoil translation, English dictionary definition of trefoil. trefoil n. 1. Any of various plants of the pea family, chiefly of the genera Trifolium and Lotus, …

TREFOIL definition: 1. one of many different small, wild plants related to clover that have leaves divided into three…. Learn more.

any of a number of plants with leaves divided into three leaflets, as the clover, tick trefoil, and certain species of lotus

May 16, 2024 · In religious art, graphic design, and the natural world, the trefoil is a commonly seen shape. The word comes from a Latin term that translates roughly as three-leaved. Certain plants are …

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun trefoil, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of trefoil noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.