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.
But there is a lot more to becoming holiday-ready than surviving on raw kale like a woodland creature. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026 Blitz them up for kale salad with pecan vinaigrette and bake up a new classic, pecan cream pie. — Jenn De La Vega, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 The quinoa and lentils give it real staying power, the kale holds its texture instead of going limp, and the feta and figs trade salty for sweet in every forkful. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026 The calcium content of collard greens is higher than that of lettuce and several other green leafy vegetables, including spinach and kale. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 19 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 1 Nov. 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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