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

My main course of filleted skate, roasted cauliflower, parsnip puree, and hazelnuts is plated to perfection on bespoke pottery handmade by Marité Labat, the village ceramist. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2025

Roasted cauliflower with feta and dates, creamy tahini chicken salad, a clean-out-the-fridge kale number, and more. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025

Woolton points to Elsa Schiaparelli’s miniature leek, cauliflower and aubergine charms, and sees them as a reflection of the designer’s surreal take on fashion. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025

These include: Brassicas such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and kale do not make good neighbors for pepper plants. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 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