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

Not yet ready are the potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower of the cooler months ahead. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

Some favorites to seed in mid-July are cabbage, collards, endive, green onions, New Zealand spinach, bush beans, cucumber, cauliflower, snow peas and summer squash. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025

Great options include zucchini, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets and asparagus. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025

That leaves more room for people to pick lower-impact dishes—such as lentil chili or cauliflower curry—on other days. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 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