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

Rosemary is more drought-tolerant than cauliflower, so these two need to be separated to a degree. —Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026

Scatter olive salad mixture over cauliflower, and stir to combine. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

Fall and winter crops in this area include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, chard, carrots, sugar snap peas and spinach. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

The cauliflower bites in buffalo or Thai chili are a big hit too. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 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

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