What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trefoil
Example
The trefoil is a common motif in Gothic architecture. [trefoil: noun]
Example
The fabric was printed with a trefoil pattern in shades of green. [trefoil: adjective]
shamrock
Example
On St. Patrick's Day, people wear shamrocks to celebrate their Irish heritage. [shamrocks: plural noun]
Example
The horseshoe was decorated with a shamrock design for good luck. [shamrock: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shamrock is more commonly known and recognized than trefoil. Shamrock is a well-known symbol of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day, while trefoil is a more specialized term used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trefoil and shamrock?
Trefoil is more commonly used in formal contexts such as heraldry and architecture, while shamrock is more commonly used in informal contexts such as celebrations and decorations.
