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

This simple recipe features inexpensive vegetarian ingredients like cauliflower and chickpeas, plus a cooling drizzle of cilantro-yogurt dressing. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 28 Apr. 2026

The rankings also took into account bar food, from vegan-cauliflower nachos to lobster rolls and celery confit. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026

Bergamot scents a dish of Alpine trout and cauliflower purée, while one of his team is a forager from the region, and brings back clutches of pine needles and wild spinach. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Once cauliflower has been cut, Hale says to place florets in a loose plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb any moisture. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026

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
• Romanesco cauliflower

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