cauliflower

noun

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

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea 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

Stick with whole food options, like sweet potato toast or homemade cauliflower buns. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 8 June 2024

The highlight of these tacos are the cruciferous vegetables – cauliflower and cabbage. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 4 May 2024

The cauliflower was accompanied by big, chunky vegetables in a broth that reminded me of a chili-spiked tomato sauce. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2024

Add the potato, simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes, then add the cauliflower. —The Week Uk, theweek, 21 Jan. 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