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

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

Moving to Cary, North Carolina, as a teenager and discovering whole hog barbecue, vinegar sauces, hash and rice, collard greens, and other Carolina traditions. — Sid Evans, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2026

Even a side order of Southern collard greens comes as a surprise, cooked until tender, then glossed with butter rather than swimming in potlikker. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 8 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