coleslaw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; common in everyday and culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “coleslaw” mean?
A salad made from finely shredded raw cabbage mixed with a dressing, typically mayonnaise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salad made from finely shredded raw cabbage mixed with a dressing, typically mayonnaise.
Can informally refer to any mixed, shredded salad with a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, though the core ingredient is cabbage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Spelling is identical. In the UK, 'coleslaw' is a common supermarket and pub side dish. In the US, it is a ubiquitous side at barbecues, picnics, and with fried chicken or fish.
Connotations
Connotations are largely the same: casual, summery, picnic food. In the US, it may have stronger regional associations (e.g., Southern, barbecue).
Frequency
Equally common and familiar in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “coleslaw” in a Sentence
[Have/eat/serve] + coleslaw (with X)[Make/prepare/mix] + coleslawVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in catering, food retail, or restaurant management contexts (e.g., 'The coleslaw has a 30% profit margin.').
Academic
Rare, except in historical, cultural, or food science studies.
Everyday
Very common: discussing meals, recipes, shopping, and dining out.
Technical
Used in culinary arts and food preparation contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coleslaw”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coleslaw”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'two coleslaws' - should be 'two portions/servings of coleslaw').
- Misspelling as 'coldslaw' or 'coleslaw'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while creamy mayonnaise-based dressings are most common, vinegar-based dressings are also traditional, especially in certain regional variations.
Yes, while cabbage is essential, common additions include shredded carrots, onions, or red cabbage. Some modern versions use broccoli or kale as a base, but purists consider these to be different salads.
'Slaw' is a common informal shortening of 'coleslaw'. However, 'slaw' is sometimes used more broadly for any shredded vegetable salad (e.g., 'broccoli slaw'), whereas 'coleslaw' specifically implies cabbage.
It is almost always served cold or at room temperature, as a refreshing side dish.
A salad made from finely shredded raw cabbage mixed with a dressing, typically mayonnaise.
Coleslaw is usually neutral to informal; common in everyday and culinary contexts. in register.
Coleslaw: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊl.slɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊl.slɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: **COLE** (an old word for cabbage, like 'kale') + **SLAW** (from the Dutch 'sla', meaning salad). So, it's a 'cabbage salad'.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A. It is a concrete, specific food item.
Practice
Quiz
What is the main ingredient in traditional coleslaw?