alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə 

: 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

Increasingly frequent drought, evaporation and water demand — especially to irrigate alfalfa for the cattle industry — have shrunk the level of Lake Powell to 3,526 feet (1,075 meters) above sea level — just 23% of full capacity. —ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

These voracious eaters are particularly fond of soybeans and other legumes, alfalfa, broccoli, corn, and apples. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

The lake has been shrinking for decades as farmers divert melting snow and rain onto fields to grow crops, including alfalfa for cattle. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026

Other farmers, Hoekema said, are already considering moving on from water-intensive cash crops like potatoes, sugar beets and soybeans in favor of alfalfa or wheat. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, modification of Arabic dialect al-faṣfaṣa the alfalfa

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alfalfa

• alfalfa weevil
• Egyptian alfalfa weevil
• spotted alfalfa aphid

Rhymes for alfalfa

• alfa
• alpha

Kids Definition

alfalfa

noun

al·​fal·​fa al-ˈfal-fə 

: 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