Coleslaw

/ˈkoʊl.sloʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A salad consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage and dressed most commonly with a vinaigrette or mayonnaise.
She brought a creamy coleslaw to the potluck that everyone enjoyed.
A side dish made from shredded cabbage and other vegetables, often served with barbecue or fried foods.
The coleslaw added a refreshing crunch to the rich flavors of the pulled pork.
A traditional American dish made with cabbage and mayonnaise-based dressing.
They serve the best coleslaw I've ever tasted at that diner.

Etymology

The word 'coleslaw' is derived from the Dutch word 'koolsla,' where 'kool' means cabbage and 'sla' means salad.

Common Phrases and Expressions

coleslaw on the side
A serving of coleslaw accompanying a main dish.
creamy coleslaw
Coleslaw made with a mayonnaise-based dressing.
vinegar coleslaw
Coleslaw dressed with a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.

Related Words

cabbage
A leafy green, red, or white vegetable with a round shape.
salad
A dish consisting of mixed pieces of food, usually including vegetables.

Slang Meanings

Slang for something unappealing or unattractive.
That movie was total coleslaw.
Used humorously to describe a disorganized mess.
His desk is a coleslaw of papers and junk.