kale

noun

ˈkāl How to pronounce kale (audio)
Synonyms of kalenext
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

Synonyms of kale

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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.
There’s a real zing to the sauce au poivre, which is mahogany-dark and sticky with demi-glace, and a cozy depth to the paccheri, floppy cylinders of pasta in a cream sauce with kale and sausage. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 Roast tofu and sweet potatoes, ruffly kale, a powerfully herby dressing. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 Surrounded by its own garden, the restaurant builds much of its menu upon a base of herbs and vegetables, like kale and carrots harvested mere steps from the open-concept kitchen. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Cold-hardy brassicas like kale only need to be covered when temperatures fall to 26 to 28°F, and light frosts potentially make these veggies taste better and sweeter. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing kale

Rhymes for kale

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Browse Nearby Words

Kalb
kale
kaleege
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Cite this Entry

“Kale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kale. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

kale

noun
ˈkā(ə)l How to pronounce kale (audio)
: a hardy cabbage with curly leaves that do not form a head

More from Merriam-Webster on kale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kale

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