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

Pair this sandwich with a vinegar-y side, such as crisp dill pickles, German-style potato salad, coleslaw, or sauerkraut. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

Raspberries, basil, salad mixes — like vegetable trays and coleslaw — cilantro, berry and fruit mixes, lettuce and snap peas have all been linked to outbreaks in the past. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

But my favorite might be the slaw dog, with coleslaw cooling and sweetening the slightly spicy chili beneath. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 15 July 2026

To use it raw, shred or thinly slice it and add it to coleslaws, salads, or grain bowls for a satisfying crunch. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 July 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