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

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, are perfect onion companion plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

The menu puts the focus on perfectly charred steaks and chops (the 32-ounce ribeye is ideal for two) while a few surprises like short rib ramen, pierogi stuffed with farmers cheese, and cauliflower steak satisfy more adventurous eaters. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026

This cool-weather crop serves as an excellent trap for keeping aphids, flea beetles, whiteflies, and harlequin beetles off nearby brassicas, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 2026

Carrot tops make excellent pesto and chimichurri sauces; beet, radish, and turnip greens add a peppery zip to soups and sauces; broccoli and cauliflower leaves give a cruciferous kick to stir-fries, and fennel fronds add a delicate licorice note. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2026

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
• Romanesco cauliflower

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