coleslaw

noun

cole·​slaw ˈkōl-ˌslȯ How to pronounce coleslaw (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, adding additional ingredients like chili, cheese, coleslaw, or mayonnaise can increase the calories, fat, and unhealthy additives on your hot dog. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025 The menu features red snapper, catfish, salmon and tilapia, as well as sides, including coleslaw, potato salad and collard greens. Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 16 July 2025 Even my husband, who is on the record as lukewarm on coleslaw, loved it. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 June 2025 The coleslaw and barbecue sauce make this is a recipe to make on repeat all year long. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for coleslaw

Word History

Etymology

Dutch koolsla, from kool cabbage + sla salad

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coleslaw was in 1794

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coleslaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coleslaw. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

coleslaw

noun
cole·​slaw ˈkōl-ˌslȯ How to pronounce coleslaw (audio)
: a salad made of sliced or chopped raw cabbage

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