cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Lidl and the FDA, there is undeclared milk in the Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables, frozen items that come in varieties such as carrots, peas, cauliflower,and corn. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

For a meat-free option, there’s whole roasted cauliflower with turmeric tahini. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

For the best results, use a fresh head of cauliflower. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024

All the dinners are unique and made by chefs across the country—think dishes like Desi Butter Chicken with cauliflower mash and Roasted Peri-Peri chicken with harissa Brussels sprouts. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers