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

Food meccas include Pier 57 (hit Nom Wah for legendary dim sum, or LoLo’s on the Water for the fish fry) and, of course, Chelsea Market (try Miznon’s pita cheeseburger and roasted cauliflower, and Ayada’s mango sticky rice). — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

The cauliflower crust also keeps things a little lighter, in a good way, which is welcome when the rest of the season tends to be rich. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 15 Oct. 2026

How To Enjoy Cruciferous vegetables include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, daikon, kale, mustard greens, radish, and turnip. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026

Add the cauliflower rice and mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. — ABC News, 30 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