# Caesar

/ˈsizɝ/ (US) · /sˈiːzɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/caesar
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. Roman leader

noun · CEFR B2

a title used by the emperors of ancient Rome.

For teachers: a title of the Roman emperors, derived from the cognomen of Julius Caesar.

- The historian explained how each Caesar maintained power over the vast empire.
- The transition of power from one Caesar to the next often depended more on military loyalty than on hereditary right.

### 2. Caesar salad

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a popular salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and a dressing with lemon and garlic.

For teachers: a specific type of salad typically consisting of romaine lettuce and croutons served with a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, egg, and anchovies.

- I think I will just have a chicken Caesar for lunch today.
- The restaurant's signature Caesar is prepared tableside, ensuring the croutons remain crisp and the dressing is perfectly emulsified.

### 3. medical operation

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Technical

a short way of saying 'Caesarean section', which is an operation to deliver a baby.

For teachers: a common clipping of Caesarean section; a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.

- The doctor decided to perform an emergency Caesar because the baby was in distress.
- Post-operative recovery for a Caesar typically requires a longer hospital stay compared to a vaginal delivery.

Usage: Commonly used by medical professionals in casual speech or by patients.

### 4. Canadian cocktail

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · American English

a Canadian drink made with vodka, tomato juice, clam broth, and spices.

For teachers: a cocktail popular in Canada, similar to a Bloody Mary but made with clamato juice instead of plain tomato juice.

- He ordered a spicy Caesar with extra celery at the bar in Toronto.
- The Caesar is often considered Canada's national cocktail, distinguished by its savory profile and elaborate garnishes like pickled beans or bacon.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to Canada; in other countries, people might not know what this drink is.

## Examples

- The doctor decided a Caesar was the safest option for the baby.
- After twenty hours of difficult labor, the medical team recommended an emergency Caesar to avoid further complications.
- While a Caesar is a routine major surgery, the recovery period is significantly longer than that of a vaginal delivery, requiring careful post-operative monitoring for infection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.