# Coles

/ˈkoʊɫz/ (US) · /kˈəʊlz/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a type of plant that belongs to the cabbage family. You usually see this word used in biology or farming to talk about crops like rapeseed or kale.

For teachers: any of various plants belonging to the genus Brassica, particularly those cultivated for their edible leaves or oil-producing seeds. Often used as a collective term in agricultural or botanical contexts.

## Examples

- Farmers in this region grow various coles for oil production.
- The agricultural report detailed the impact of the recent frost on the local production of coles and other hardy vegetables.
- While modern supermarkets categorize them individually, traditional gardening manuals often grouped these diverse vegetables under the general heading of coles due to their shared botanical ancestry.

## Usage notes

- Often appears in the plural when referring to different varieties within the cabbage family.

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