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

How to Eat Shred raw Brussels sprouts and use in a coleslaw or salad. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025

Humphreys asked for a spread of barbecue beef brisket, pork ribs, a bacon double cheeseburger, French fries, coleslaw, cornbread, buffalo wings, a meat lover’s pan pizza, vanilla ice cream and two lemon-lime sodas, the Georgia Department of Corrections said in a press release. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025

My late and very wise father-in-law loved the place and always ordered the classic grouper sandwich basket that comes with fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, lemon, and pickle. —Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025

Fish Fries Crispy catfish, golden hush puppies, and creamy coleslaw are all that is needed for a classic fish fry. —Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

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