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

His playful take on cooking from the Asian subcontinent draws in a diverse and vibrant crowd, particularly during Sunday brunch, where a DJ spins as guests nosh on dishes like dahi puri with raspberry chaat masala or cauliflower with pickled kumquat and curry leaf. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

Produce — such as cucumbers, cilantro and cauliflower — is sold at a cheaper price, said Garfield Principal Jonathan Avilez. —Morgan Fischer, The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 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