How to pronounce cloverleaf
Say it like KLOH-ver-leef. Cloverleaf has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOH).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈkloʊvɚˌlif/KLOH-ver-leef
UK British/ˈkləʊvəliːf/KLOH-vuh-leef
- KLOH
- ver
- leef
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cloverleaf pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- leefGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of cloverleaf
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KLOH-vuh-leef.
What does cloverleaf mean?
adjective
- In the form of the leaf of a clover plant; cloverleafed.“a fancy cloverleaf motif”
- The leaf of a clover plant.“Cloverleaves have a pealike flavor and make a nice accent among salad greens.”
- (with plural cloverleafs or cloverleaves) Ellipsis of cloverleaf interchange.“The off-ramp will lead you along the cloverleaf to your next on-ramp.”
- To turn by following a cloverleaf, or as if by following one.
Where does cloverleaf come from?
From clover + leaf.
Questions about saying cloverleaf
How do you pronounce cloverleaf?
Say KLOH-ver-leef. The American pronunciation is /ˈkloʊvɚˌlif/. In British English it is /ˈkləʊvəliːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cloverleaf?
Cloverleaf has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOH). Broken into parts: KLOH · ver · leef.
Is cloverleaf pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkləʊvəliːf/ (KLOH-vuh-leef).