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

The factory produces 2 million pounds of giardiniera a year, made from huge barrels of cut and cured pickles, carrots, celery, cauliflower and peppers, the latter ingredient differentiating the hot and mild varieties. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Lifting a stem of cauliflower to his lips, my brother sighs deeply. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

September Although broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are technically cold season crops, these veggies may not have enough time to produce big heads if they’re planted in September. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026

The secret ingredient in this smoothie is frozen cauliflower, which adds a creamy texture without overpowering the flavor. — Caitlin Beale, HEALTH, 5 Sep. 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