coleslaw

[ kohl-slaw ]

noun

1. a salad of finely sliced or chopped raw cabbage, usually moistened with a mayonnaise dressing.

coleslaw

/ ˈkəʊlˌslɔː /

noun

1. a salad of shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, carrots, onions, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleslaw¹

1785–95; < Dutch koolsla, equivalent to kool cabbage, cole + sla, contraction of salade salad

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleslaw¹

C19: from Dutch koolsla, from koolsalade, literally: cabbage salad

Example Sentences

The official Door County website calls them a "one-of-a-kind epicurean event," noting some other sides that aren't as often mentioned, from lemon wedges, coleslaw and bread to "fresh-baked Door County cherry pie" for dessert.

From Salon

But to call it spicy coleslaw is not quite right either.

From New York Times

My fingers are crossed that it can graduate from coleslaw and become a featured vegetable at nicer restaurants near me.

From Salon

In addition to yogurt, Dandrea-Russert points to salad dressings as a big culprit when it comes to hidden sugars, while Malkhoff-Cohen lists other common offenders: pasta sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, cereal, coleslaw and dried fruit.

From Salon

To Nancy, Mrs. Fayne's van always smelled like coleslaw and pickled tomatoes.

From Literature

Related Words

• sauerkraut

More About Coleslaw

What is coleslaw?

Coleslaw is a cold salad traditionally made from sliced or chopped raw cabbage mixed with a dressing made with mayonnaise or vinegar. It often includes other seasonings and ingredients, such as onions, carrots, or apples. 

The word slaw can be used to mean the same thing. Sometimes, slaw is used to refer to a similar cold salad that does not include cabbage, such as carrot slaw.  

Coleslaw is most commonly served as a side dish, such as for barbecue, or a topping, such as for sandwiches. In the U.S., it’s associated with cookouts and picnics and known as a common side dish at some restaurants. 

Example: My mom makes a tasty coleslaw that includes carrots and onions.

Where does coleslaw come from?

The first records of the word coleslaw come from the late 1700s. It comes from the Dutch koolsla, a word that combines kool, meaning “cabbage,” and sla, a contraction of salade, meaning “salad.” Coleslaw is, simply enough, a salad made with cabbage. 

The word cole ultimately comes from the Latin caulis, meaning “plant stalk” or “cabbage.” It can be used to refer to a number of plants in the genus that includes cabbage, kale, and other related vegetables. Related words include kohlrabi, a type of cabbage, and cauliflower.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for coleslaw?

• slaw

What are some words that share a root or word element with coleslaw? 

• cole
• kohlrabi
• cauliflower

What are some words that often get used in discussing coleslaw?

• side dish
• cabbage
• carrot
• mayonnaise
• vinegar
• barbecue
• cookout
• picnic
• baked beans
• hot dogs
• salad

How is coleslaw used in real life?

Coleslaw is a common side dish at cookouts and some restaurants. It comes in many variations, including those made with mayonnaise- and vinegar-based dressings. Some people love it and some people think it’s gross.

Good morning to all my coleslaw lovers

— Theodore St-John (@UncleTEO_) October 24, 2020

I cant believe that there’s actually people out there who enjoy the taste of coleslaw

— crab rangoon (@idmPasta) October 27, 2020

Y’all eat the coleslaw from Canes🤢?! Y’all be eating coleslaw willingly?! Could never be me

— 1222 (@oliviabozeman_) October 27, 2020

Try using coleslaw!

True or False?

Coleslaw always includes carrots.