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

And Chef Eduardo Ruiz of LA’s Chicas Tacos whipped up beef birria and queso tacos plus a vegan cauliflower and mushroom taco on blue corn tortillas. —Andrew Watman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Cool-season vegetables include carrots, radishes, parsnips, turnips, beets, asparagus, peas, onions, garlic, kale, spinach, lettuce, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025

On the weekends, the menu expands with heartier options like the Fountain Burger made with Wagyu beef, balsamic onion jam, arugula, gruyere and blue cheese on a brioche bun and the Pan Seared Salmon with roasted cauliflower, romesco sauce and crispy capers. —Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Made up of cauliflower, quinoa, pickled peppers and preserved lemon yogurt, the dish doesn’t shy away from those quintessential North African spices, making every bite warm and comforting. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 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

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

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