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

Or cauliflower, like in Jesse's recipe for the fritters. —Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025

Known as the commissary, the kitchen is where all of Erewhon’s TikTok-famous hot bar and tonic bar menu items — buffalo cauliflower, coconut chicken tenders, kale salads and gluten-free coconut chaga brownies — are prepped before being delivered to its grocery stores around 5 every morning. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Roast cauliflower for 25 to 30 minutes, until tender and golden at the edges. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

Belonging to the same cruciferous vegetable family as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli; cabbage is a leafy plant known for its dense leaves, earthy flavor, and satisfying crunch. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

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