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

Start fall transplants of broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower indoors. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025

Our whitefish and cabbage-wedge entree was preceded by a silky, nutty cauliflower soup. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025

Prepare to be serenaded with black onion seed gnocchi and BBQ cauliflower, laced with Perigord truffle. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Those with mostly insoluble fiber include vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower and potatoes; whole-wheat flour or wheat bran; nuts; and beans. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 July 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