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.
Planting leafy greens like kale and spinach in August ensures a flavorful fall harvest. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 3 Aug. 2026 Other brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale should also be avoided for the same reasons. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 July 2026 Include them in a kale salad, black bean tacos, jam, or chutney made with onions and herbs. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 29 July 2026 The dirty vegan takes a different kick, with kale noodles in a savory, creamy vegan broth topped with corn, steamed tofu, rolled tofu skin, sliced green onions and seasonal vegetables. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 26 July 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 10 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of kale for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kale

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