collard

noun

col·​lard ˈkä-lərd 

plural collards

: a cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) related to kale and having a loose head of stalked smooth leaves

also : its leaves cooked and eaten as a vegetable

—usually plural

called also collard greens

Examples of collard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When the collards are fully grown but still rooted in the ground, with the sunlight shining above, the crop’s veins appear plum-colored, with large indigo-green leaves. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

The mac and cheese brings a creamy texture, the collard greens cut through some of the richness from the cheeses, and the cornbread provides a little crunch and sweetness in each bite. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Sullivan’s collard greens get their savory, subtly smoky flavor from bacon, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. — Julia Sullivan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

The restaurant also offers sweet potato, red velvet and peach cobbler waffles, along with sides such as yams, rice and beans, waffle fries and collard greens. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of colewort

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for collard

• bollard
• collared
• hollered
• lollard
• pollard

Kids Definition

collard

noun

col·​lard ˈkäl-ərd 

: a kale with smooth leaves that grow at the top of a short thick stalk