kale

noun

1
a
: a hardy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) with curled often finely incised leaves that do not form a dense head
also : its leaves used as a vegetable
b
: cole
2
slang : money

Examples of kale in a Sentence

trying to scrape up the kale to buy more dope
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Use natural seasonal elements—like kale, mini pumpkins, and flowers—to create a show-stopping centerpiece. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025 Red wine provides them as well, as does kale, tomatoes, and peaches. New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025 Nomio as a Lactate Fighter The active ingredient in Nomio is isothiocyanates, or ITCs, which are found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 29 Oct. 2025 Super simple but fancy enough for company, this cozy kale salad gets a flavor boost from roasted butternut squash, gorgonzola, and sweet pears. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kale

Word History

Etymology

Scots, from Middle English (northern) cal, from Old English cāl — more at cole

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of kale was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kale. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

kale

noun
: a hardy cabbage with curly leaves that do not form a head

More from Merriam-Webster on kale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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