cole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowArchaic, Regional, Technical (Botany/Agriculture)
Quick answer
What does “cole” mean?
Any of various plants of the cabbage family, especially brassicas cultivated for food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of various plants of the cabbage family, especially brassicas cultivated for food.
In historical/regional contexts, a general term for cabbage or similar leafy greens. Can also refer to money in archaic slang (cole = money).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, it is archaic/rare. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK gardening or historical texts. In the US, 'cole crops' is a technical agricultural term.
Connotations
Old-fashioned, rural, or botanical. No negative connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. The related term 'colewort' is similarly archaic.
Grammar
How to Use “cole” in a Sentence
[grow/harvest] + cole[patch/field] + of + coleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical botany, agricultural science ('cole crops').
Everyday
Not used in modern conversation.
Technical
In agriculture/horticulture: refers to plants of the genus Brassica (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cole”
- Using 'cole' in modern conversation instead of 'cabbage' or 'kale'.
- Misspelling as 'coal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or regional. Modern equivalents are 'cabbage', 'kale', or 'collard greens'.
In obsolete 16th-19th century slang, 'cole' meant money (e.g., 'post the cole'). This usage is now extinct.
Yes. 'Coleslaw' comes from the Dutch 'koolsla', meaning 'cabbage salad' ('kool' = cabbage/cole).
In historical texts, gardening books, or the technical agricultural term 'cole crops' (brassica vegetables).
Any of various plants of the cabbage family, especially brassicas cultivated for food.
Cole is usually archaic, regional, technical (botany/agriculture) in register.
Cole: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'cole' for money (obsolete slang: 'post the cole' = pay the money)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COLE sounds like KALE, and they are both leafy greens from the same plant family.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT AS SUSTENANCE (archaic); MONEY AS A COMMODITY (obsolete).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate modern synonym for the archaic word 'cole'?