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

Brassicas Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and other plants in the brassica family are heavy feeders that require a lot of nutrients to grow. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025

In Punjab, where our family roots lie, pakoras are often made with onions, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, and eggplant. —Romy Gill, Saveur, 22 Oct. 2025

Riced Broccoli Like cauliflower, broccoli can be made into a low-carb and paleo-friendly rice substitute. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 17 Oct. 2025

On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower, onion, eggplant and chickpeas with the olive oil, garam masala and 1 teaspoon of salt. —Laura McLively, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025

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