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

Dietitians say conventional bananas, avocados, pineapples, onions, kiwi, carrots, cauliflower, and many pantry staples are perfectly good choices. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

For dinner, make red lentil dhal with roasted cauliflower, onion, tomato and garam masala, served with flatbread. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026

The menu, a mix of pizza, wings, and salads, has something for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free and cauliflower crust options. —Mary Ella Hastings june 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

One study found minimal difference in vitamin content between fresh and frozen vegetables, including cauliflower. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 28 May 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