coleslaw

noun

cole·​slaw ˈkōl-ˌslȯ 

variants or less commonly cole slaw

plural coleslaws also cole slaws

: a salad made of raw sliced or chopped cabbage and often additional ingredients (such as shredded carrots or raisins) tossed in a usually creamy dressing

called also slaw

Examples of coleslaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hur asked longtime fans and consulted old menus to ensure many of the signature dishes will return, including the coleslaw and the pancakes. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Scallop crudo, a wedge salad piled with jumbo lump crab and sharpened with wasabi dressing, and a lobster roll with saffron coleslaw sit comfortably alongside American classics like a double cheeseburger and fries. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Goodbye to clam chowder, meatloaf, blue cheese dressing and ranch dressing made on site, pico mix, sliced ham, mozzarella cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, coleslaw and blue cheese. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Usually found in coleslaw or sauerkraut on the cookout buffet, cabbage transforms from clean and crunchy to soft and smoky with a brush of olive oil, simple seasoning, and a deep sear on a hot grill. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Dutch koolsla, from kool cabbage + sla salad

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for coleslaw

• allantois
• baccarat
• chickasaw
• mackinaw
• overawe
• oversaw
• quebecois
• yojana
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw

Kids Definition

coleslaw

noun

cole·​slaw ˈkōl-ˌslȯ 

: a salad made of sliced or chopped raw cabbage